Report: Canucks Interested In Rangers' Alexis Lafreniere

The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly interested in a potential trade for New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere as part of ongoing discussions ahead of the NHL trade deadline. 

Lafreniere, the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has been a subject of interest for the Canucks in the past and could be the centerpiece of a blockbuster deal. 

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Rangers are highly interested in acquiring J.T. Miller, but the possibility of including Lafreniere as part of the return remains uncertain. “The Rangers covet Miller. Great, but does New York have an appetite to include Alexis Lafreniere, not Mika Zibanejad, as the centerpiece of a large return?” Pagnotta wrote.

Alexis Lafreniere ends his goal slump on a wicked wrister 🎯 pic.twitter.com/AmNygw1Niv

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 8, 2025

Lafreniere recently signed a seven-year, $52 million contract with the Rangers, cementing his role as a long-term piece of their roster. 

However, the 23-year-old has faced questions about his consistency, with 24 points in 41 games this season and a minus-11 rating. While his offensive potential remains promising, the Rangers have endured a disappointing campaign, currently sitting seventh in the Metropolitan Division and at risk of missing the playoffs. 

This has fueled speculation about bold moves from GM Chris Drury, who has already traded former captain Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko earlier this season.

We're on Alexis Lafrenière hatty watch, and we're not even 12 minutes into the game... 👀 pic.twitter.com/ioIGX268ni

— NHL (@NHL) January 8, 2025

For the Canucks, Miller has been a key trade chip as they look to reshape their roster and potentially acquire younger talent. 

Reports from The Athletic suggest that the Rangers previously proposed a one-for-one swap involving Mika Zibanejad for Miller, which Vancouver declined. With Miller and Elias Pettersson both drawing interest on the market, the Canucks appear intent on leveraging their assets to secure high-upside players like Lafreniere. 

Whether the two sides can find common ground ahead of the March 7 deadline remains to be seen.

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images