Canadian team already in trade discussion to acquire Alexis Lafreniere

PUBLICATION

Matt Garland
January 2, 2023 (6:44 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Earlier this week the New York Rangers made Alexis Lafreniere a healthy scratch. This immediately led to speculation that he'd be traded. Now we know that the Vancouver Canucks have checked in on New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafrenière, according to Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie and Dhali.

In a post Dhaliwal wrote:

«The Canucks know this player inside out, Lafrenière's old agent is current Canucks assistant GM Emilie Castonguay. The Canucks have checked in on Lafrenière, he was made a healthy scratch last week by the Rangers. The Rangers are very aware of the Vancouver interest in Lafrenière. Lafrenière will not be cheap but the Canucks have the assets like Bo Horvat to pull this off, if the Rangers decide to move him. Lafrenière is the type of player the new regime in Vancouver is looking for. Before he was traded to Montreal, the Canucks were also one of the teams after Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach. Lafreniere and Dach are the type of young players the Canucks are looking for.»

Lafrenière made headlines last week after he was made a healthy scratch by the Rangers. Early indications are that as soon as that scratching was made public, the Rangers started to receive calls about Lafrenière's availability in a potential trade.

Lafrenière has five goals and 12 assists through 37 games this season. The former 1st overall pick from 2020 hasn't been live up to the hype so far in his young career. He averages less than half a point a game with 36 goals and 33 assists through 172 career games played.

The Canucks have their captain Bo Horvat available for trade because the team and player haven't been able to come to an agreement to on a new contract.

Horvat is having a career year, with 26 goals in just 36 games. Horvat is a pending unrestricted free agent at season's end and is due a big raise on his current $5.5 million salary.

Lafrenière is in the final year of his entry-level deal and is a restricted free agent after this season.

Vancouver have the pieces to make this deal happen and Horvat would be a great addition to help the Rangers on their playoff run.

POLL
JANVIER 2 \| 78 ANSWERS Canadian team already in trade discussion to acquire Alexis Lafreniere Will the Canucks land Alexis Lafrenière?
Yes, they have the pieces to get it done	40	51.3 %
No, he's going somewhere else	38	48.7 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Feb 22, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen (96) prepares for a face-off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

3 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

Elliotte Friedman Reveals Carolina Hurricanes Have Offered a Massive Extension Offer to Mikko Rantanen

Mar 30, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman PK Subban (76) warms up before playing the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

5 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

PK Subban Puts Kyle Dubas on Blast for Wasting the Final Years of Sidney Crosby's Career

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

6 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

Chilling Video Captures Brady Tkachuk Trying to Inspire his Team USA Teammates by Honouring Johnny Gaudreau

Feb 3, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) checks Nashville Predators center Fedor Svechkiv (40) into the bench during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

8 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Top NHL Insider Predicts That Brady Tkachuk Is On His Way Out Of Ottawa

Feb 8, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) looks on against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

9 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

Arber Xhekaj Threatens Brady Tkachuk Ahead of Game Versus Ottawa Senators

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) blocks a shot by Team USA forward Jake Guentzel (59) during the third period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

12 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Connor McDavid and Brad Marchand Make Their Feelings Known on Jordan Binnington's Heroic Game vs USA

Sep 9, 2024; Media, Pennsylvania, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and former general manager Brian Burke leave St. Mary Magdalen Parish following the funeral service for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau. The brothers died after being hit by a drunk driver while riding bicycles on Aug. 29.Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

13 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente

Brian Burke Puts American Players on Blast Regarding Their Involvement at the IIHF World Championship

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

14 hours ago | By Tom Banks