An expanded role is bringing out the best in Alexis Lafrenière

Each year, Alexis Lafrenière strings together a stretch that hints at the player the Rangers believed they were drafting in 2020. The offensive creativity and compete level that made him one of the most dominant players in the QMJHL reappear. However, the stretch always seems to fade – leaving his Rangers future in limbo.

Lafrenière’s current run feels different than the others. Not necessarily because of the production alone, but because of the role that now accompanies it.

A difficult development path

Lafrenière’s path into the NHL was never straightforward. His rookie season came during the pandemic-altered year, eliminating a traditional training camp and rookie development period. Instead of easing into the league in a controlled environment, he entered during a chaotic time where expectations on him were sky high.

Complicating matters further, Lafrenière has spent the majority of his NHL career playing on his off wing. That reality often gets overlooked when evaluating his early seasons. As a natural left winger, Lafrenière was unable to gain ground on established players like Artemi Panarin or Chris Kreider from the left side, leaving him to adapt elsewhere in the lineup.

First-overall picks are typically expected to force their way into top roles regardless of circumstance. Lafrenière never quite managed to do that that early in his career.

Now the circumstances around the roster have shifted — and so has his role.

Expanded opportunity in a larger role

With more offensive responsibility available, Lafrenière has begun leaning into the opportunity.

That was evident again in the Rangers’ 6–2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night, when Lafrenière recorded three points (1 goal, 2 assists), including a net-front deflection that showcased his increased presence living around the goal.

After the game, Lafrenière acknowledged where he is in his career when asked by Lydia Pirner.

“It’s year six for me,” he said. “I feel like I have to step up a little bit, play a bigger role, and play some better hockey.”

The comment was straightforward, but his play as of late backed up his words. 

The Athletic’s Rangers beat writer Vince Mercogliano spoke with Lafrenière about  how he has made a conscious effort to improve his net-front game, particularly on the power play where the Rangers rely on him around the crease.

The adjustment has been noticeable recently. Lafrenière is spending more time creating second opportunities and making himself available in high-danger areas rather than remaining on the perimeter or playing timidly.

Good signs for Laf

During his time with Rimouski in the QMJHL, he controlled games offensively, always dictating play – creating chances with his flawless zone entries and remarkable creativity. At the junior level, the offense ran through him – he dominated the league.

These elements have appeared in flashes during his time with the Rangers but rarely for extended stretches.

Recently, however, Lafrenière has shown more willingness to hold onto pucks and dictate play in the offensive zone. Instead of deferring to teammates, he has been more assertive entering the zone and sustaining pressure. The puck is following him around a bit more, and he’s showing shades of what can potentially come.

Recalibrating expectations

At this stage of his career, the expectations that followed Lafrenière into the league likely require some recalibration.

The generational label that accompanied the 2020 first-overall selection no longer applies, but that does not mean Lafrenière cannot still become a consistent high-impact player for the Rangers.

Lafrenière’s recent opportunity and play suggests he may be entering that stage now.

A pivotal stretch for Lafrenière

The Rangers have long hoped Lafrenière would eventually grow into a player capable of carrying more offensive responsibility.

Since the roster shift that followed Artemi Panarin’s departure to Los Angeles, Lafrenière has played at a point-per-game pace while taking on slightly increased minutes, but significantly more opportunity to flourish.

It’s still a small sample, but the underlying numbers are impressive. More importantly, Lafrenière looks like a player who actually wants the puck on his stick. Instead of quickly deferring to a teammate, he’s keeping possession, attacking defenders, and letting plays develop off his stick. The Rangers are playing through him more often, and he’s responding by carrying pucks deeper into the zone and sustaining pressure. Add in his willingness to operate in the greasy areas of the ice, and this stretch feels different from the flashes that came before.

The Rangers have remained patient with their former first-overall pick, and for once, the patience may just pay dividends.