Player Discussion Alexis Lafrenière

[TheDirtyH]

The Rangers offense as a whole has hit the skids. #5 in the NHL with 3 1/3 goals per game last season.

We take away Fast, McKegg, ADA, Staal & Skjei and add Lafreniere, a more developed Buch, Chytil & Kakko and Rooney/Blackwell and Miller.

Not much of a trade off there. Mika's slow start is really killing this team right now. He's a game driver. Hard to believe this will continue 5 on 5 and on the PP. Same PP unit of forwards goes from 7th in the NHL to 25th. And it has looked really good for the most part. It will turn around.

Mika is the catalyst. If your #1 center isnt producing the way he can (or at all) then the rest of the offense begins to shut down.

It's not just one player, we're playing much differently and much more conservatively. We've improved defensively in leaps but we've also done so at a cost. The PP last year had 77 up top not 23, and while I love 23, 77 is among the absolute best in the world at the top of a PP unit. Moreover, even our set up has changed. Zibanjed setting up for a one-timer on the goalline? foh.

I don't refer much to the stats until more games into the season, so I'm mostly going by what I see on the ice, but that's been a snooze fest for the most part. It's encouraging to see us just arrive suddenly as a good defensive team, but we really don't generate threatening offensive chances at all 5v5. The Islanders looked much more dangerous than us last night. In fact, we looked more like the Islanders than the Islanders.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

Honestly I'd rather have young teenagers buying in and developing from a defensive standpoint first rather than tearing up the scoresheet and completely ignoring the other side of the ice, but thats me. Thats how you win down the line - getting into good habits.

COPE.

 

[nyrleetch]

I mean. It's been a little frustrating, I won't lie. Really want/need this kid to succeed. But obviously given the circumstances around this year it's kind of tough to make proper judgments through 10 games. I do know that there would be a vocal group of people amused if this guy was on the Devils/Islanders playing like this.

I actually have liked Kakko's secondary game more and more, but like Laf we are just waiting for these guys to become the offensive players we need them to be.

 

[Priorae]

Its hard to watch because as a super everything rookie we just want him to be great, but at the same time he is going through the usual "defer to any reasonable human" rookie motions. The timelines don't match up.

I think we just need like an entire year of patience. Even if he doesn't look good.

 

[Rempe73]

FWIW, Wheeler has our prospect pool ranked #2, and said that he’s not worried about Lafreniere. One reason being his really low PDO. Said he’s going to be “awesome” and that his career trajectory is looking better than Hischier/RNH/Ekblad. Wheeler also says he’s pretty confident Lafreniere gets into Hughes/Svechnikov territory.

 

[Harbour Dog]

I've been creeping on these boards since sometime around 2007-2008, and I'm not sure if I remember there being a time when I've found it to be so draining to do so.

Maybe it's the current state of the world and the uncertainty that comes with that seeping into everything. Maybe there has been a drastic change in the posters on here over that timespan. Maybe I've personally just become more easily drained.

But Man, this should be one of the most positive, optimistic times in franchise history. And people are too impatient to enjoy it.

In a few years, Alf and Kakko are going to be monsters; in a decade they'll be coming out of their primes; in two decades we'll be wishing we could re-live their first couple years: just try to enjoy watching them grow and adapt, Christ.

 

[CasusBelli]

I've been creeping on these boards since sometime around 2007-2008, and I'm not sure if I remember there being a time when I've found it to be so draining to do so.

Maybe it's the current state of the world and the uncertainty that comes with that seeping into everything. Maybe there has been a drastic change in the posters on here over that timespan. Maybe I've personally just become more easily drained.

But Man, this should be one of the most positive, optimistic times in franchise history. And people are too impatient to enjoy it.

In a few years, Alf and Kakko are going to be monsters; in a decade they'll be coming out of their primes; in two decades we'll be wishing we could re-live their first couple years: just try to enjoy watching them grow and adapt, Christ.

I think, more than anything, were frustrated to see other teams’ franchise players make an impact their rookie years. Stamkos, Kane, Laine, Matthews, Backstrom, Tavares, Barzal, etc. Why can’t it be us for a change?

 

[aufheben]

I've been creeping on these boards since sometime around 2007-2008, and I'm not sure if I remember there being a time when I've found it to be so draining to do so.

Maybe it's the current state of the world and the uncertainty that comes with that seeping into everything. Maybe there has been a drastic change in the posters on here over that timespan. Maybe I've personally just become more easily drained.

But Man, this should be one of the most positive, optimistic times in franchise history. And people are too impatient to enjoy it.

In a few years, Alf and Kakko are going to be monsters; in a decade they'll be coming out of their primes; in two decades we'll be wishing we could re-live their first couple years: just try to enjoy watching them grow and adapt, Christ.

Preach, man.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I think, more than anything, were frustrated to see other teams’ franchise players make an impact their rookie years. Stamkos, Kane, Laine, Matthews, Backstrom, Tavares, Barzal, etc. Why can’t it be us for a change?

Miller and Fox?

 

[New York RKY]

I think, more than anything, were frustrated to see other teams’ franchise players make an impact their rookie years. Stamkos, Kane, Laine, Matthews, Backstrom, Tavares, Barzal, etc. Why can’t it be us for a change?

Fox? Miller?

 

[JCProdigy]

I've been creeping on these boards since sometime around 2007-2008, and I'm not sure if I remember there being a time when I've found it to be so draining to do so.

Maybe it's the current state of the world and the uncertainty that comes with that seeping into everything. Maybe there has been a drastic change in the posters on here over that timespan. Maybe I've personally just become more easily drained.

But Man, this should be one of the most positive, optimistic times in franchise history. And people are too impatient to enjoy it.

In a few years, Alf and Kakko are going to be monsters; in a decade they'll be coming out of their primes; in two decades we'll be wishing we could re-live their first couple years: just try to enjoy watching them grow and adapt, Christ.

To be fair, this place was insufferable at times when the Rangers were going to the Stanley Cup Finals and winning the President's Trophy. Funny enough, complaints then included not having enough high-end talent, always being stuck in the middle because of that, trading away draft picks, and refusing to rebuild (we could all handle it, we're not impatient, was the cry!).

 

[mas0764]

I think, more than anything, were frustrated to see other teams’ franchise players make an impact their rookie years. Stamkos, Kane, Laine, Matthews, Backstrom, Tavares, Barzal, etc. Why can’t it be us for a change?

Not only “why can’t it be us,” because if I knew it just would take an extra year or two, fine.

But I’m worried that they may be less than advertised which would be devastating.

There are good signs but there are also not so good signs, that’s just how it is. I think it’s ok to admit concern as long as it doesn’t turn to panic.

 

[GoAwayGiannone]

This brings to mind one of my favorite quotes of all time:

"I wish there was a way to know you were in the good old days before you actually left them."

I believe these are the beginning days of those good old times.

 

[Shesterkybomb]

Just little paaaaatience....yeaaaaahh....just a little paaaaatiece yeaaaahhhhhhhh.

 

[ElLeetch]

Fox? Miller?

Making great plays for sure, but combined for 2 goals in 11 games, right? we simply need more.

 

[ElLeetch]

I've been creeping on these boards since sometime around 2007-2008, and I'm not sure if I remember there being a time when I've found it to be so draining to do so.

Maybe it's the current state of the world and the uncertainty that comes with that seeping into everything. Maybe there has been a drastic change in the posters on here over that timespan. Maybe I've personally just become more easily drained.

But Man, this should be one of the most positive, optimistic times in franchise history. And people are too impatient to enjoy it.

In a few years, Alf and Kakko are going to be monsters; in a decade they'll be coming out of their primes; in two decades we'll be wishing we could re-live their first couple years: just try to enjoy watching them grow and adapt, Christ.

I think things would be more palatable if we were losing games 4-5. Seeing our young guys make progress but dealing with rookie mistakes that lead to loses. At least that could look promising. At least it would be fun. Generate some highlights to look back on. Stats to track. But what we are getting is the opposite of that. Sound "technical" hockey but seeing zero creativity, skill, or elite talent. Getting out-grinded to the Islanders 0-2 while your elite futures play dump-and-chase for 9 mins a game is just not fun. nobody is going to want to relive this memory. Its dry, forgettable hockey.

 

[NYR3]

I've been creeping on these boards since sometime around 2007-2008, and I'm not sure if I remember there being a time when I've found it to be so draining to do so.

Maybe it's the current state of the world and the uncertainty that comes with that seeping into everything. Maybe there has been a drastic change in the posters on here over that timespan. Maybe I've personally just become more easily drained.

But Man, this should be one of the most positive, optimistic times in franchise history. And people are too impatient to enjoy it.

In a few years, Alf and Kakko are going to be monsters; in a decade they'll be coming out of their primes; in two decades we'll be wishing we could re-live their first couple years: just try to enjoy watching them grow and adapt, Christ.

Nobody is saying they won't become that but nothing is guaranteed in the NHL and anything can happen

 

[Scott r]

Not looking good. Most goal scorers, the elite, do it there first or by 2nd year. Kakko likely wont be the scorer by end year 2, lafren not yet. But as we approach game 40, you will have a good idea..def by game 100. Time for quinn to go ?? The patience term is often said too much. Sam rosen gets too excited..esp after this kid scored in a fake ot 2 on 1. Based on 3 on 3, which is not in playoffs. Im not a fan anymore..too many hopes and dreams crushed..no thanks.

 

[ThirdEye]

Not looking good. Most goal scorers, the elite, do it there first or by 2nd year. Kakko likely wont be the scorer by end year 2, lafren not yet. But as we approach game 40, you will have a good idea..def by game 100. Time for quinn to go ?? The patience term is often said too much. Sam rosen gets too excited..esp after this kid scored in a fake ot 2 on 1. Based on 3 on 3, which is not in playoffs. Im not a fan anymore..too many hopes and dreams crushed..no thanks.

Well then.... hi and bye?

 

[True Blue]

I think we just need like an entire year of patience. Even if he doesn't look good.

And maybe remember that the kid will not be able to legally buy beer for two more years.

 

[True Blue]

Maybe it's the current state of the world and the uncertainty that comes with that seeping into everything. Maybe there has been a drastic change in the posters on here over that timespan. Maybe I've personally just become more easily drained.

But Man, this should be one of the most positive, optimistic times in franchise history. And people are too impatient to enjoy it.

In a few years, Alf and Kakko are going to be monsters; in a decade they'll be coming out of their primes; in two decades we'll be wishing we could re-live their first couple years: just try to enjoy watching them grow and adapt, Christ.

Thee you go, trying to make sense of things.

NOOOOOO!. NOW! NOW! NOW! I WANT STANLEY CUPS NOW? WHY IS lAFRENIERE NOT McDAVID? IS NOT KAKKO SUPPOSED TO BE SELANNE?

 

[East Coast Bias]

He hasn't even been bad. I truly don't know what to tell you if you've watched this team all season and think he's been bad or concerning.

Yes it sucks that his stats aren't great. But he's getting chances. He's getting to dangerous areas. He's making plays. He doesn't look lost or overmatched. At all.

He's basically a microcosm of this team. Solid play, getting chances, snake bitten and cannot bury it.

 

[JimmyG89]

We are also talking about a guy that didn't play a competitive game for over 10 months. Those games were also junior games, not professional ones. He also did not play in the World Juniors, which is something we all wanted him to avoid (see Dach). He was also in Canada, where I'm sure the COVID restrictions didn't allow him on the ice as much he probably would have wanted.

If anyone wanted to compare him to Stutzle, he went to the WJC, he was in Germany, where I'm sure they allowed more things to be done than Canada for their athletes. The DEL was playing, even if he wasn't, when leagues here were figuring out what they wanted to do.

There are signs of his game coming along from earlier in the season. I don't think there is something overly concerning about his game. He's also played with a struggling Zibanejad and Howden. He's been more visible on the forecheck and there is definitely confidence growing with carrying the puck. We're going to see a breakthrough game at some point.

 

[True Blue]

We are also talking about a guy that didn't play a competitive game for over 10 months. Those games were also junior games, not professional ones. He also did not play in the World Juniors, which is something we all wanted him to avoid (see Dach). He was also in Canada, where I'm sure the COVID restrictions didn't allow him on the ice as much he probably would have wanted.

If anyone wanted to compare him to Stutzle, he went to the WJC, he was in Germany, where I'm sure they allowed more things to be done than Canada for their athletes. The DEL was playing, even if he wasn't, when leagues here were figuring out what they wanted to do.

There are signs of his game coming along from earlier in the season. I don't think there is something overly concerning about his game. He's also played with a struggling Zibanejad and Howden. He's been more visible on the forecheck and there is definitely confidence growing with carrying the puck. We're going to see a breakthrough game at some point.

I think Edge said this so he gets the credit. We would have been just much better off trading the pick and then drafting Lundell so that we can all marvel at the season that he is having.......in Finland.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

We are also talking about a guy that didn't play a competitive game for over 10 months. Those games were also junior games, not professional ones. He also did not play in the World Juniors, which is something we all wanted him to avoid (see Dach). He was also in Canada, where I'm sure the COVID restrictions didn't allow him on the ice as much he probably would have wanted.

If anyone wanted to compare him to Stutzle, he went to the WJC, he was in Germany, where I'm sure they allowed more things to be done than Canada for their athletes. The DEL was playing, even if he wasn't, when leagues here were figuring out what they wanted to do.

There are signs of his game coming along from earlier in the season. I don't think there is something overly concerning about his game. He's also played with a struggling Zibanejad and Howden. He's been more visible on the forecheck and there is definitely confidence growing with carrying the puck. We're going to see a breakthrough game at some point.

This x100

Lafreniere was skating in a backyard rink with Miller and 3 children in the offseason for like 4 weeks leading up to the season, before he finally got into the MSG training center and then thrown right into the fire.