Alexis Lafreniere, the former No. 1 overall pick, has signed a two-year contract worth $4.65 million with the New York Rangers. The team made the announcement on Wednesday. Lafreniere, who was a restricted free agent, and the Rangers have been negotiating throughout the summer to reach this deal.
Lafreniere, selected first overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, took some time to adjust to the NHL. However, he has found his place in the Rangers’ middle-six forward group. In his last two seasons, Lafreniere has recorded 35 goals, 33 assists, and 70 points in 160 games.
Now the question is whether Lafreniere can take his game to the next level. At just 21 years old, this two-year contract provides him with the opportunity to prove himself and earn a more significant contract in 2025.
Last season, Lafreniere often played on the Rangers’ third line alongside Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko. All three players are under the age of 24 and combined for 124 points in the 2022-23 season. Their continued development will be crucial for the Rangers as they aim for the Stanley Cup.
Prior to this agreement, Lafreniere was one of the notable restricted free agents without a contract. Another prominent unsigned restricted free agent is Trevor Zegras, forward for the Anaheim Ducks, who has recorded 49 goals and 139 points in 180 career games.
