Potential Massive Extension in the Works for Rangers' Alexis Lafreniere

Yes, all the talk around the New York Rangers these days is about the Igor Shesterkin drama: The star goaltender and team MVP turned down an $88 million extension offer, and everyone is all up in arms about how they're going to get him signed.

But there's another pretty important Rangers player for their future that's on the final year of his contract. And in this case, it appears that the team has made good progress on a massive long-term extension for impending RFA Alexis Lafreniere.

With so much focus on Igor Shesterkin, #NYR have also been working on a deal with Alexis Lafreniere going back to summer.

Talks ongoing. Different options on table. One of them: 8 years x $8 mil range.

Details tonight on @SportsOnPrimeCA:pic.twitter.com/0TstJvskN6
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 11, 2024

Insider Frank Seravalli spoke of the ongoing negotiations with the breakout forward, and how they had to put them on hold as the season approached and they tried to get a Shesterkin extension done (to no avail).

I'm told that they made some pretty significant progress over the summer... This is a big moment for New York with Lafrenière as they try and put the future cap picture together for this team.
Sources indicated that the discussions revolved around an eight year deal at $8 million plus per year. There are a couple of different options on the table... but I can guarantee you this: If Lafrenière is re-signing in New York, you won't see an AAV under $7M, depending on what that term is.

The 22-year-old former No. 1 overall pick (2020 NHL Draft) broke through last season with personal bests with 28 goals and 57 points in 82 games while also setting a career-high in time on ice, at 17:16 per night.

He followed that up with a tremendous playoff performance for the Blueshirts, with eight goals and 14 points in 16 games.

"You're gonna need to take care of this guy," added Seravalli, "and this is going to be one of the biggest deals that Lafrenière gets the opportunity to sign".