Vancouver Canucks reportedly wanting to add former first-overall pick

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Cooper Godin
May 29, 2023 (12:55)

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For what feels like months now, rumours have been swirling about the Vancouver Canucks wanting to add former first-overall pick Alexis Lafreniere to their roster.

Lafreniere hasn't lived up to the hype in 'The Big Apple' and a change of scenery could definitely benefit the 21-year-old, with Vancouver being a prime destination for his services because his age fits in with what General Manager Patrik Allvin is trying to build.

In a recent article on Bleacher Report regarding landing spots for Canucks forward Brock Boeser, it's suggested that the Rangers could be a fit and that Alexis Lafreniere could be apart of the return.

Boeser has two more years on his contract, which is better for the Rangers than trying to add a rental player, but in order to get a potential deal done, the Blueshirts would need to clear cap space to accommodate his $6.65 million AAV salary. As part of any deal, the Canucks would have to either take on a Rangers player with a higher salary or retain a portion of Boeser's deal.

"Lafreniere has struggled with the Rangers in his brief NHL career and might benefit from a change of scenery. He could be part of a deal for Boeser provided they could get the Canucks to accept another salaried player as part of the return. Failing that, the Canucks would have to retain part of Boeser's cap hit."

In 216 career games in the National Hockey League so far, Lafreniere has 91 points (47 goals, 44 assists), 78 penalty minutes and is a plus-five.

Source: Bleacher Report