Door "Not Slammed Shut" On Alexis Lafreniere Extension With NY Rangers

Yes, all the buzz around the New York Rangers is how will they work out a new, record-setting contract extension for star goaltender Igor Shesterkin. But there's another pretty important core member of the team that's also playing on an expiring deal this season as well.

Former No. 1 overall pick Alexis Lafreniere and the team were not able to come to terms on an extension before the season, but according to insider Pierre LeBrun, on TSN Insider Trading, it's not yet out of the question for sometime during the current campaign.

There have been contract talks going back to before the season between Alexis Lafreniere and his agent and the Rangers... Those talks have not produced an extension, (though) both sides were motivated to see if they could get it done before the season but they couldn't.
But the door has not been slammed shut on continuing the conversation. I think it will be ongoing. Whether it gets done during the season remains to be seen, but the Rangers obviously view Lafreniere... as a massively important core piece that they want to sign long-term.

The 23-year-old is finishing up his two-year bridge deal at a $2.325 million AAV which has seen him explode into prominence with the Blueshirts. He registered 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points in 82 games last season in 17:16 of ice time per contest, all career highs.

Lafreniere was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft. He averaged about 16 goals and 30 points over his first three seasons, but broke through big-time in 2023-24, and has already recorded six points in five games this year. He will see a huge raise on his next deal, whenever they're able to get one done.