New York Rangers Agree To Contract With Alexis Lafreniere

Alexis Lafreniere and the New York Rangers have finally come to an agreement on a contract coming off his entry-level deal, and he will earn $2.325 million AAV for two years.

Lafreniere signed for 2 years at $2.325 AAV, Post has learned.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) August 23, 2023

This bridge deal will allow the Rangers, who are against the cap and in their window to win a Stanley Cup, to get a good feel for what they have in their former number one overall pick who hasn't broken out yet.

The situation is a little unfortunate because the Rangers won the draft lottery as a team that wasn't at the bottom of the standings, so they had a strong team already in place. This and Lafreniere getting drafted during COVID didn't allow for the proper development from a number one overall pick. He hasn't gotten consistent top line minutes or power-play time to boost his confidence or stats. To get the most out of this deal and see the most improvement, the Rangers have to start playing the young winger in the top-six and give him time to produce on the power play.

The 21-year-old has increased his production over his first three seasons and also plays a physical game. He scored 19 goals without the help of the power play in 2021-22. If we see him reach 20 goals for the first time, he is on the right track to reaching expectations.