A big news about Alexis Lafrenière's contract extension

PUBLICATION

Carl Vaillancourt
July 2, 2024 (8:35 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The case of Alexis Lafrenière is not a priority for the New York Rangers general manager, even though he was one of the best players for this team in the 2024 playoffs.

It is understood that the team management has a lot on their plate, as several excellent players need to renegotiate their contracts. However, it is still surprising that a journalist covering the team would state that Lafrenière's case is not a priority!

This information comes from Vincent Z. Mercogliano of the USA Today media network, who has a source close to the matter.

His informant even adds that there will be no talks between the two parties before next summer.

This decision could come back to haunt the New York Rangers, as the hometown player could break out and potentially reach the 40-goal mark. If that happens, his contract would be much more lucrative. Given his performance in the playoffs, it's a risky bet for New York.

The first overall pick of the 2020 draft is entering the second year of a two-year deal. He signed this contract in August 2023, valued at $4.65 million for two seasons. That's quite a bargain! In addition to becoming a restricted free agent next summer, he will be eligible for salary arbitration in 2025. The upcoming season will be the most important of his young career! Although he shouldn't have much trouble affording groceries, a big season could secure him a contract worth $7 to $8 million per year for a long term.

The hometown player performed very well this year with the Blueshirts, tallying 57 points, including 28 goals, in 82 games. He added 14 points in 16 playoff games during his team's spring run. Many had doubts during his first two or three seasons in the Bettman circuit, but he seems to have taken control this year. Good news for the kid from St-Eustache!

Throughout the season, Laffy progressed and became one of the top five forwards used by Laviolette in key moments. His name now appears alongside veterans like Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad.

The Rangers' coach praised his protégé during the team's end-of-season review.

"His confidence evolved throughout the year, but I believe his playoffs were excellent," the coach said in a press conference. "He was productive, physical, remarkable, and an impact player for us. We certainly hope to see him build on this next year and take on more responsibilities." - Peter Laviolette

Like many teams in the East, the Rangers face a significant salary cap problem this summer. The situation will not improve next summer when they will need to sign their goaltender Igor Shesterkin, one of the most dominant in the Bettman circuit for the past few years. He should get a contract similar to Bobrovsky's, which is around $10 million per year!

General Manager Chris Drury will not have a quiet summer, as he must reach agreements with two regular defensemen, Ryan Lingdren and Braden Schneider. Both restricted free agents are without contracts for the upcoming season! Players Jack Roslovic, Alexander Wennberg, Blake Wheeler, Erik Gustafsson, and Chad Ruhwedel were all free agents. It would be surprising for the team to sign any of them, as they were supporting players on the third or fourth line. The only player who might be of interest is Jack Roslovic. However, his salary demands are likely to be far from those set by Chris Drury.