Alexis Lafreniere is confident he’ll be playing in New York next season. According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the consensus first-overall pick has decided that he will not report to training camp for the Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL or go overseas to play in Europe for the next few months. Instead, he intends on training individually and preparing for the NHL season.
The 18-year old Lafreniere was always expected to go straight to the NHL after his draft, but the uncertainty of when that 2020-21 season actually will begin created some confusion at how he would handle things. McKenzie did note that if the NHL season doesn’t begin in December or January as expected, he will then review his options.
It is interesting to note that the IIHF is still hoping to hold the 2021 World Junior Championship, scheduled to begin on December 26th in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. If the NHL season still hasn’t begun by then, perhaps Lafreniere—who will still only be 19 and eligible—could represent Canada one last time at the tournament. He was named MVP of the event this year, scoring 10 points and leading Canada to a gold medal.
In any case, you won’t be seeing Lafreniere in Rimouski this fall as he ends his CHL career with two consecutive Player of the Year awards.
Might wind up in la, just think it’s funny everyone expects rangers to pick him. Even if it’s true nothing is a sure thing in life.
There were some teams who the Kings may have been able to trade up with but the Rangers are the last one. They need no pipeline help or extra picks. Lafreniere is going to be a Ranger.
death, taxes, and Lafreniere going to the Rangers
As long as he’s still got all four limbs on draft day!!
Not necessarily. Kings are loaded at C in the pipeline and the rags could use help there, especially if strome is gone. Would a 2nd OV(byfield) + turcotte/vilardi/kaliev make the rags think? Would the king’s do that? Idk
Rangers would have to be insane to make that trade!
It ain’t happening
The Rangers are taking Lafreniere. It does create a LW logjam, though, with Panarin and Kreider already there. And they do need help at C.
Doubt we see a Metro division trade like this, but…
Kreider and Adam Fox for Kris Letang and Jared McCann?
If the Rangers trade the pick, it’ll go to LA so they can draft Bryfield. It would absolutely have to include some salary cap dump, so, Smith is part of the package. We’d get their number 2 pick and some sweeteners in the deal as well, but I highly doubt it’ll happen.
He’s going to be a NYR. John Davidson would never be able to walk the streets.
The odds are greater of any one of us commentators on this post to find the winning mega millions jackpot winner without even buying a ticket then the Rangers trading the pick. If the Rangers do make a trade it will be from our depth to get a better Center or RHD.