New York Rangers reportedly shopping former first-overall pick

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Cooper Godin
July 2, 2023 (3:43 PM)

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According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, the New York Rangers are shopping 2020 first-overall pick Alexis Lafrenière to other teams around the National Hockey League.

"Two league sources said that Drury has been quietly shopping Alexis Lafrenière, who is a restricted free agent. Unless there's a way to get some value back, this one seems likely to end with Lafrenière remaining a Ranger on a short-term deal for his second contract. A former No. 1 pick who's 21 and hasn't been given a real shot at top-six/power-play minutes would be attractive to some teams but not at any real cost. Something to watch at the very least." Staple said.

Lafrenière, 21, hasn't exactly popped off as many had expected coming off an incredible junior career with the QMJHL's Rimouski Oceanic. Expectations were high, and while he's still young, he's failed to live up to the hype and playing in a big hockey market like New York, it's certainly been magnified.

The Saint-Eustache, Quebec native set a new career-high in assists and points this season, while playing mainly on 'The Kid Line' with Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil. In 81 games, Lafrenière had 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists), 33 penalty minutes and was a plus-ten.

There will certainly be plenty of interest in the 21-year-old left winger. One team that has expressed interest dating back to before the March 3rd trade deadline was the Vancouver Canucks. Another team that could be interested in adding Lafrenière's services could be the Montreal Canadiens given he's from Quebec and age-wise, he fits in well with what Kent Hughes is trying to build.

It'll be interesting to watch throughout the summer to see if the Rangers end up dealing the former first-overall pick or if he'll remain with the organization for the start of the 2023-24 season.

Source: Arthur Staple - The Athletic