Alexis Lafreniere, Rangers closing in on extension

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports that the New York Rangers are closing on a contract extension with forward Alexis Lafreniere. Furthermore, Larry Brooks of the New York Post indicates that it will be a two-year, $4.65M ($2.325M AAV) contract between the two sides.

Before this contract becomes finalized between the Rangers and Lafreniere, the team had approximately $2.28M in cap space, meaning New York will now have to make a move to become salary cap compliant prior to the season beginning in October. 

With eight defensemen penciled into the starting lineup per CapFriendly, one of those players will likely be sent to the minors to make room for Lafreniere’s contract.

It’s a relatively low-risk move by the Rangers, given that Lafreniere has yet to play up to his first overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft. However, under new head coach Peter Laviolette, perhaps Lafreniere could get sufficient ice time next season to adequately show off his skill level. In 216 games played through his entry-level contract, Lafreniere has only mustered 47 goals and 44 assists, averaging about 14 and a half minutes of ice time per night.

Besides a bit of a slow start, Lafreniere actually procured a solid season last year. He scored a career-high in points, putting up 16 goals and 23 assists in 81 games, also continuing to improve his CF%, as well as his oiSH%. 

Even after signing Blake Wheeler to a league-minimum deal at the beginning of free agency, there is definitely some room for Lafreniere to move up in the lineup to fill the spot on right wing.

At still only 21, it’s not quite make-or-break time for Lafreniere quite yet, but the clock does appear to be ticking on his time with the Rangers. Earlier this offseason, although not much came of it, Lafreniere had his name rumored in some trade speculation.

If he earns himself the opportunity for more ice time under Laviolette, Lafreniere could break out into a premier winger in the NHL. Given this two-year deal, Lafreniere and the Rangers will have a bit more time for him to live up to his draft selection.