Rangers Bet Big on Lafreniere, Seeking Breakthrough Beyond “Bust” Tag
The New York Rangers made a monumental decision in the 2020 NHL Draft when they secured the first overall pick. The consensus choice at the time was Alexis Lafreniere, a player deemed a potential franchise cornerstone. With this selection, the Rangers aimed to reignite their pursuit of a championship, a dream that had eluded them since their near miss in 2014. This marked only the second time in franchise history that the Rangers held the top pick, a moment laden with expectations and hope.
Early Promise and Subsequent Struggles
Lafreniere’s entry into the league showcased glimpses of his talent, as he finished his rookie season with 12 goals and 21 points. His next two seasons indicated growth, with the Quebec native nearly reaching the 20-goal mark in his sophomore year before peaking at 28 goals and 57 points during the Rangers’ Presidents’ Trophy-winning campaign in 2023-24. However, the latest season saw a troubling regression, with his performance reverting to career averages. This decline has raised eyebrows and fostered doubts about his potential to fulfill the lofty expectations that accompanied his first overall selection.
The question now looms large: is it time to label Alexis Lafreniere a bust? While he has shown flashes of promise, the reality is that he has yet to deliver the transformative impact one would expect from a top draft choice. Comparisons to other first-overall picks like Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nico Hischier highlight the disparity. These players have not only excelled individually but have also contributed significantly to their teams, with MacKinnon even securing a Stanley Cup—a milestone that still eludes Lafreniere.
Assessing the Potential and the Contract
Although the 2020 draft may feel like a distant memory, Lafreniere’s journey is still in its early stages. At just 23 years old, he has amassed a respectable 193 points in 380 games. This statistic serves as a reminder that many athletes are still finding their footing in the professional realm at his age. The Rangers are placing their faith in Lafreniere to tap into his latent potential as he continues to mature.
This belief is further demonstrated by the seven-year, $52.15 million contract the team offered him last season. The Rangers are hopeful that Lafreniere can evolve into a player akin to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who has proven to be a valuable asset for the Edmonton Oilers. While it may be unrealistic to expect Lafreniere to suddenly emulate a superstar like Patrick Kane, the possibility of him reaching a new level of play remains a tantalizing prospect for the franchise.
Navigating the “Bust” Label
Five seasons into his NHL career is a substantial enough timeframe to draw conclusions. Unfortunately for Lafreniere, the narrative is shifting toward the notion of him earning the “bust” label. To dispel this characterization, he would need to consistently score 40 goals or more in the coming years. Moreover, achieving personal accolades or leading the Rangers to a Stanley Cup victory would significantly bolster his case against such a label.
Until then, Lafreniere finds himself grappling with the weight of unmet expectations. The road ahead is critical; it’s a chance for him to redefine his legacy within the Rangers organization and prove to fans and analysts alike that he can rise above the doubts that have begun to shadow his promising start.
