A lot was expected of Alexis Lafreniere when the New York Rangers drafted him #1 overall at the 2020 NHL entry draft. He had an excellent junior career but that has not carried over into the NHL.
NHL trade rumors swirled last year about a Lafreniere trade but nothing materialized. He is set to become a restricted free agent this summer and the NY Rangers have two choices: Trade him or sign him to a bridge deal to see what he can accomplish in the next few years.
Since this is a NHL rumors site, let’s look at some possible trade destinations for Alexis Lafreniere.
Possible Alexis Lafreniere trade destinations
- Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks make the most sense for Alexis Lafreniere. His former agent, Emilie Castonguay, is the assistant GM of the Vancouver Canucks and knows Lafreniere well.
The Canucks are looking to shed salary and could a J.T. Miller for a Alexis Lafreniere package be worked out in the summer if the NY Rangers can figure out a way to offload some additional salary to take on Miller’s contract. - Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks are in full rebuild mode and were all-in on tank nation for drafting Connor Bedard. They would love to add Lafreniere as part of their rebuild and maybe a quieter market like Anaheim could help Alexis Lafreniere rejuvenate his game. The Ducks could offer up a plethora of young assets to get Lafreniere.
- Chicago Blackhawks: If the Blackhawks win the draft lottery and land Connor Bedard, they will be looking to do a quick rebuild and Alexis Lafreniere would fit in well with the rebuilding Blackhawks. A change of scenery is needed for the former #1 overall draft pick and Chicago could be the place where Lafreniere lands.
What are NHL Fans saying about a potential Lafreniere trade?
Laff needs a summer in the gym. He needs to put his golf clubs in the closet, and he needs to dedicate everything he has to hockey, and then he’ll know for himself what he is at this level next year.
NY Rangers need to keep Lafreniere. Play and develop your drafted players instead of giving them minimal minutes in favor of rented washed up stars.
Trade him. Laff was a turnover machine. He took contact and coughed up the puck more often then not. Can’t keep the puck on his stick. Can’t get through or past defenders.
