Three Teams That Could Potentially Trade for New York Rangers Alexis Lafreniere
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.
The Anaheim Ducks are struggling this season to put wins together and are at the bottom of the Pacific Division. The Ducks rank fourth in the prospect pipeline rankings and have a slew of young talent to trade to the Rangers in exchange for Lafreniere. A potential deal may look something like this.
Center Nathan Gaucher was a first-round pick (22nd overall) in the 2022 NHL draft. Currently playing for the QMJHL Quebec Remparts, he has 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points in 24 games. Could be seen as the second-line center behind Mika Zibanejad in the near future. Good, solid young center who could be the centerpiece of the trade if it does in fact happen.
Defenseman Jackson LaCombe was a second-round pick (39th overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft. Currently playing for the University of Minnesota, he has four goals and 16 assists for 20 points in 22 games. The New York Rangers do not have many offensive defensemen in their pipeline so LaCombe would be a welcomed addition. He would be a future second-pairing defenseman who contributes on a regular basis and can quarterback a power play.
Veteran forward Jakob Silfverberg would also come in the trade as the NHL-ready player. He would slot somewhere in the middle six and play a solid 200-foot game. In 40 games this season, Silfverberg has five goals and five assists for 10 points and has 155 goals and 182 assists for 338 points in 698 games. He does have a M-NTC, meaning he would have to approve any trade that is brought to his attention.
As for draft picks, the Anaheim Ducks have a first-round pick, three second-round picks, two third-round picks, and a fourth-round pick.
The Columbus Blue Jackets could be another team after Lafreniere’s services. The Blue Jackets are 12th in the prospect pipeline rankings. The Blue Jackets need help offensively and, with a change of scenery, could be where Lafreniere comes into play. Columbus could send these three players to New York in exchange for Lafreniere.
Forward Gustav Nyquist has eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points in 40 games this season. He is due to become a UFA in 2023-24 and accounts for 6.7% of the Columbus cap. In his career, Nyquist has 172 goals and 247 assists for 419 points in 692 career games. He would be the NHL-ready player coming to New York in the trade as a depth piece.
Center/ Right Winger Justin Richards is currently with the AHL Cleveland Monsters, posting six goals and 16 assists for 22 points in 29 games. A versatile player who can play anywhere in the top nine as well as on special teams. Could provide depth down the middle or on the wing.
Defenseman Samuel Knazko is also with the AHL Cleveland Monsters, posting one goal and 13 assists for 14 points in 29 games. An offensive defenseman, Knazko could fill the void of supplying offense from the back end and play either special teams as well. Not a big defenseman, relies on his speed to create offense in the offensive zone. Good, solid piece to the New York Ranger’s d-core who could turn out to be a gem if slotted properly into the lineup. Not overly aggressive, but will take the body to make a play and be a force in the crease to protect the goaltender.
The Columbus Blue Jackets 2023 draft picks include a first, second, two third-round picks, and two fourth-round picks.
Lastly, the Vancouver Canucks rank 14th in the prospect pipeline rankings. Vancouver has had an up-and-down season and could use a player like Lafreniere as part of the future going forward. They need secondary scoring and Lafreniere maybe that piece to turn them into playoff contenders in a tight Pacific Division.
The Canucks 2023 draft picks include a first, second, third, two-fourths, and fifth-round pick.
Ging to the New York Rangers would be right winger Conor Garland. Garland brings a bit of everything to the table and could easily slot in the top six of the New York Rangers. This season, Garland has seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points in 39 games. He is a top-six forward who can contribute in more ways than one. Good on the power play as well. New York could use another scoring winger with some grit as they lack in that department.
Defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk is currently with the AHL Abbotsford Heat and has two goals and nine assists for q points, and 33 penalty minutes, in 25 games. As per his stats, he can supply offense and add grit that the Rangers lack from the blue line. Solid, top-four pairing defenseman who is underrated. Good in the defensive zone by closing gaps and using time management to control the pace of the game. Has a good outlet pass that creates offense the other way.
Left-winger Aidan McDonough is a 6-foot-3 and 190-pound shoot-first winger. Playing for Northeastern University, he has 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points in 20 games. An NHL shot that can be useful on the second power-play unit or in the middle six.
Could be a dark horse as a potential Calder trophy candidate once he makes his NHL debut. Good, solid young forward who could make a difference in New York. Acquiring McDonough would give the New York Rangers a legit sniper who is young and can be a top goal scorer on a team that does not have a young scoring threat at this time.