Anticipated features of Alexis Lafreniere, the upcoming top pick by the Rangers in the NHL draft
In the 2020 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers made a significant move by selecting Alexis Lafrenière as the first overall pick. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound left winger from Canada entered the NHL with high expectations for his scoring and playmaking abilities.
Lafrenière, who played for Rimouski Oceanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), was widely regarded as a complete NHL player even before he was drafted. His impressive set of hands and vision can break down opposing defenses, and he is capable of scoring goals in the dirty areas, making him a well-rounded offensive prospect.
By the 2023-24 season, Lafrenière showed strong production with 28 goals and 29 assists (57 points) in the regular season, followed by solid playoff contributions. The Rangers, in a "win now" mode, made a long-term investment in him by signing him to a substantial seven-year, $52.15 million contract starting in the 2025-26 season.
However, despite his potential and flashes of strong performance, Lafrenière has faced challenges living up to the extreme expectations that come with being the first overall pick. His performance dipped during parts of the 2024-25 season, leading to speculation and trade rumors about his future with the Rangers.
Lafrenière is expected to be inserted on the Rangers' third line with Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin, a move that could provide him with the support he needs to rebound from his recent struggles. The team's future could hinge on his continued development and redemption, as he is seen as a key part of the franchise's future if he can regain his form.
Despite the uncertainty around his fit in the Rangers' roster, Lafrenière is not compared to Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid in terms of lofty expectations. Instead, his game is compared most closely to Florida Panthers star Jonathan Huberdeau. With his facilitation skills, Lafrenière could become a top-end playmaker in the NHL.
The NHL Draft, during which Lafrenière was selected, took place on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Despite the passage of time, Lafrenière's expected draft position remains the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Alexis Lafrenière's talent and potential make him a player to watch in the NHL. The New York Rangers will be hoping he can live up to his billing as the first overall pick and become a perennial All-Star for the team.
The first sentence: Alexis Lafrenière, drafted as the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, is compared to Florida Panthers star Jonathan Huberdeau, hinting at his potential to become a top-end playmaker in the NHL.
The second sentence: Lafrenière's struggle to live up to the extreme expectations that came with being the first overall pick in the NHL Draft has resulted in speculation about his future with the New York Rangers, but his talent and potential suggest he could still become a perennial All-Star for the team.
