Alexis Lafreniere’s impressive play was one of the bright spots for the New York Rangers during both the 2023-24 regular season and postseason. The 22-year-old winger is entering the second year of a two-year, $4.65 million contract and he can earn a long-term extension if he can put together another strong season.
Lafreniere’s Play in 2023-24
In 2022-23, Lafreniere spent most of the season on the Rangers’ third line and their rarely-used second power-play unit. Despite finishing with 16 goals and a then-career-high 39 points, he faced heavy criticism and his name was mentioned in trade rumors. He was held without a point in seven playoff games as the team’s season came to a disappointing end in the first round.
In head coach Peter Laviolette’s first season with the Rangers in 2023-24, he gave Lafreniere an opportunity to play in the top six on a line with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. He got off to a strong start with seven goals and four assists in his first 14 games.
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Though Lafreniere did go through a scoring drought after his hot start, he continued to play well and generate scoring chances. He used his skill to help the Rangers on entries to the offensive zone and helped bring out the best in Panarin and Trocheck as they both finished with career-highs in points. Panarin finished with 120 and Trocheck finished with 77.
Lafreniere looked more comfortable both with and without the puck as the season went on and eventually, he broke out of his scoring slump. He finished the regular season with 28 goals and 29 assists including 26 goals and 25 assists at even strength. He once again played on the Rangers’ second power play unit and he did not get a lot of ice time on the man advantage.
In the playoffs, Lafreniere took his play to another level and was one of the Rangers’ best players. He was strong on the puck, did not shy away from the physicality of the postseason, and showed off great hands, scoring a few important goals on dekes. He ended the postseason with eight goals and six assists. All of his goals and three of his assists came at even strength.
Expectations for Lafreniere This Season
Lafreniere will be a very important player for the Rangers in 2024-25, after his breakout performance last season. He will likely remain on the same line as Panarin and Trocheck since all three are already signed…
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