The New York Rangers have witnessed significant progress from Alexis Lafreniere and are now prepared to reward him for it.
Selected first overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, Lafreniere initially struggled to live up to expectations. At one point, the team even considered trading him. However, after a breakout season where he recorded 28 goals and 57 points in 82 games, he’s now on a path to stardom in the league.
The Rangers are working on an 8-year contract extension worth more than $8M per season with Alexis Lafrenière, per @frank_seravalli #NYR pic.twitter.com/3sgPHWLS5C
— SleeperNHL (@SleeperNHL) October 11, 2024
In the season opener, he contributed one goal and one assist, and insider Frank Seravalli has reported big news about the 23-year-old.
Seravalli’s report suggests the Rangers are working on a contract extension for Lafreniere, potentially paying him $8 million annually over eight years. While some may question the price for a young player still proving himself, Lafreniere’s upward trajectory and looming restricted free agent (RFA) status make it logical for the Rangers to move quickly. It’s uncertain if they’ll finalize the deal during the season or wait until the offseason, but with his recent strong performance, the Rangers are likely eager to secure him before he hits the RFA market.