The New York Rangers have witnessed significant growth from Alexis Lafreniere, and they’re now ready to reward him for it. Selected first overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, Lafreniere was initially seen as a potential star, but early in his career, doubts arose about whether he would meet expectations.
In fact, last summer, the organization even contemplated trading him. However, he had a breakout season, scoring 28 goals and recording 57 points in 82 games, putting him on track to become a key player in the league.
This season, he kicked off the opener with one goal and one assist, prompting insider Frank Seravalli to share important news regarding the 23-year-old. According to Seravalli’s report, the Rangers are looking to negotiate a contract extension for the former top pick, potentially worth $8 million per season over the next eight years.
While this may seem steep for a young player still proving himself, it’s evident that Lafreniere is on a path to stardom. With his restricted free agency looming next summer, it makes sense for the Rangers to secure him sooner rather than later.
At this stage, it’s unclear whether the Rangers aim to finalize a deal during the season or prefer to wait until the offseason. However, following a strong previous season and an impressive first game of the 2024/25 campaign, Lafreniere is likely to attract considerable interest if he reaches RFA status. As a result, expect the Rangers to actively pursue a deal in the near future.
