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Three Teams That Could Potentially Trade for New York Rangers Alexis Lafreniere

By Richard Jelinek

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 10: Alexis Lafrenière #13 of the New York Rangers takes the ice prior to the game against the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 10: Alexis Lafrenière #13 of the New York Rangers takes the ice prior to the game against the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 10: Alexis Lafrenière #13 of the New York Rangers takes the ice prior to the game against the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 10: Alexis Lafrenière #13 of the New York Rangers takes the ice prior to the game against the Minnesota Wild at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere was thought of as the next big star. For good reason, he had just spent four seasons dominating the QMJHL, scoring 114 goals and 183 assists for 297 points in 173 games. Nothing left for him to prove as the next step was on to bigger and better things, specifically the NHL. After being selected first overall by the Rangers in the 2020 NHL Draft. Lafreniere set his mind on producing at the highest level, possibly helping the New York Rangers to another Stanley Cup.

Through 176 games, Lafreniere has registered 36 goals and 34 assists for 70 points, hardly what Rangers fans were hoping for. Although he is still young, he has been playing in the bottom six for a while now and not being able to shine the way he wants to. He did make a name for himself in the playoffs last season, playing on the “kid line” with Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko, looking good in the process and they impressed as the best line in the playoffs.

While this did a lot for Lafreniere’s confidence, New York Rangers management is not so sure he is living up to expectations. In fact, Lafreniere has been rumored in trade talks and looks like he could be on his way out of New York in a matter of time. This could actually be good for Lafreniere, going to a less hostile environment and not being looked at as the guy. A change of scenery could be good for him, giving him a chance to reset, refocus, and settle in with new linemates.

For the Rangers, one thing that can be eliminated is, if a trade does happen involving Lafreniere, the fact he will not be moved to a team in the Eastern Conference but likely a team in the Western Conference that has a good prospect pipeline. Trading Lafreniere could come back to bite them if he is traded within the same conference.

Recently, the asking price for a star player or top prospect has been an NHL rostered player, 1-2 prospects, and some draft picks. While that could happen, expect a bit less considering his offensive production. He does still have upside, tremendous potential, and a chance to redeem himself into a quality NHL player. With that being said, if he is in fact available for trade, expect teams to be lining up for his services. A recent first-overall pick with offensive upside available for trade? A lot of teams could use a player like this. Below are three teams who could be in the running for his services, as they all have prospects draft picks, and NHL-rostered players ready for trade.

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