Player Discussion Alexis Lafrenière

[its not that serious]

I don't buy into the narrative that he's emulated Panarin. Not exactly. But I do think he adjusted his game to fit in on that line when he had not yet found a fit in the NHL, and since it got results, he's developed some bad habits that need to be worked out.

Re-read the scouting reports on Lafreniere in 2020. Style wise, he was not a perimeter player then. Over the years we've seen glimpses of that player, those instincts. In 2025 he overthinks the game, and shies away from some of the hard work. He's 23, he can get there. And for what it's worth, he's been backchecking lately... in itself that's a basic thing, but maybe he's showing a sign he "gets it," won't keep coasting, and can get back to doing what he needs to do instead of what comes more easily.

 

[ReddestRum]

I don't buy into the narrative that he's emulated Panarin. Not exactly. But I do think he adjusted his game to fit in on that line when he had not yet found a fit in the NHL, and since it got results, he's developed some bad habits that need to be worked out.

Re-read the scouting reports on Lafreniere in 2020. Style wise, he was not a perimeter player then. Over the years we've seen glimpses of that player, those instincts. In 2025 he overthinks the game, and shies away from some of the hard work. He's 23, he can get there. And for what it's worth, he's been backchecking lately... in itself that's a basic thing, but maybe he's showing a sign he "gets it," won't keep coasting, and can get back to doing what he needs to do instead of what comes more easily.

He's coming up on year 6 as an NHL'r with a 7.5m contract ahead of him and I feel like we've been going around in circles saying the same thing. However, what's new to him is how much of a defensive liability he's been this season compared to the rest. I can't say that any line he's been a part of where he's been a leader on that line, so I feel without Panarin and Tro, Laf wouldn't have even broken out last year alone. Will Cuylle, right now, in this moment, with his minutes, is a much better player in all facets of his game.

 

[duhmetreE]

I know it's cliche but he just signed a contract with a guaranteed $50+M coming to him. Some people handle that differently. I think he snaps out of it eventually.

I'll trade a great playoffs for an underwhelming regular season.

 

[duhmetreE]

He also really needs to work on his shot. It’s bad. Release and power are just no where good enough

 

[CasusBelli]

He also really needs to work on his shot. It’s bad. Release and power are just no where good enough

And his skating. And his consistency. And his agility. And his backchecking.

I admire and appreciate your optimism, and I hope I’m wrong, but I just don’t see it.

 

[duhmetreE]

And his skating. And his consistency. And his agility. And his backchecking.

I admire and appreciate your optimism, and I hope I’m wrong, but I just don’t see it.

That all comes down to effort and moving your feet.

We see the difference in Zibs. There’s still warts but he’s helping the team

 

[markymarc1215]

Zero excuse for a 1OA to need to work on anything in his 5th year and after a great playoff run. At this point he should be a franchise altering player, not a lazy defensive liability who will get about 45-50 points.

As myself and others mention often, he is Kovalev 1.0 with NYR. Always thinking this is the year he breaks out. 5 years later and here we are.

 

[ReddestRum]

Zero excuse for a 1OA to need to work on anything in his 5th year and after a great playoff run. At this point he should be a franchise altering player, not a lazy defensive liability who will get about 45-50 points.

As myself and others mention often, he is Kovalev 1.0 with NYR. Always thinking this is the year he breaks out. 5 years later and here we are.

You're right. This is my take on it. You draft 1st overalls to be the face of the franchise. Celebrini, Bedard, Hughes, Dahlin, Matthews, McDavid are players that are not only the face of the franchise, but GMs literally build around these players. They are players you hope can reach that 100 point mark in deep season runs. Players in the 40-50 point range are support players that you TRADE for if you need them.

The Rangers royally f***ed Laf and themselves by not doing a complete rebuilds, so the kids never really got the time they needed on the ice like other 1OAs being the focus of ice team on terrible, rebuilding teams. The "Run It Back" Rangers sacrificed picks and their young core to keep this half-measure of a rebuild and it is going to cost us dearly for a very long time.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

Part of me just wants to trade him so we dont have to talk about it anymore.

Since they won the lotteries for Kakko and Laf it feels like its all been an exhausting experiment that I just want to end.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Part of me just wants to trade him so we dont have to talk about it anymore.

Since they won the lotteries for Kakko and Laf it feels like its all been an exhausting experiment that I just want to end.

Even if they did, then people will just focus on another player to bash non stop. Fox already starting, Igor of course.

This is what they do.

 

[Talisman_52]

I think JT is a fantastic role model (play wise) for Laf. I’m convinced it’s part of why they traded for him.

Laf has an edge to him that needs to be brought out more consistently.

 

[LORDE]

I think JT is a fantastic role model (play wise) for Laf. I’m convinced it’s part of why they traded for him.

Laf has an edge to him that needs to be brought out more consistently.

If Laf tried to play like JT he'd be in traction

 

[Talisman_52]

N

If Laf tried to play like JT he'd be in traction

How do you figure? Laf has not shown to be fragile nor timid, but he doesn’t usually seek contact.

He’s got a naturally thickish frame similar to JT as compared to say a Kreider (who is/was a solid dude in his own right, but is still quite thin to my eye).

He showed in the playoffs last year that he’s got another engaged gear that doesn’t show up much during the regular season. He’s showed he can be pretty good, his consistency is poor and he needs to continue to work on his leg drive and forcing his way into the center ice area or the offensive “house”.

Anyway, that’s how I see it.

 

[Cusedog]

Laffy’s attempted season long impersonation of Panarin is sad and painful to watch.

 

[NikC]

Zero excuse for a 1OA to need to work on anything in his 5th year and after a great playoff run. At this point he should be a franchise altering player, not a lazy defensive liability who will get about 45-50 points.

As myself and others mention often, he is Kovalev 1.0 with NYR. Always thinking this is the year he breaks out. 5 years later and here we are.

BS this coach and his staff are a bunch of losers, they couldn't motivate Tony Robbins.

Enough of these bum retreads.

 

[Do you want ants]

BS this coach and his staff are a bunch of losers, they couldn't motivate Tony Robbins.

Enough of these bum retreads.

Both can be true. We can have crap coaches and Laf can be lazy and underperform. Guy glides and stops moving his feet way too often. That’s effort and that’s on him.

 

[Uglybstrd]

He came, got paid, and checked out.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

trade him for Ryan Reaves

 

[Mugless]

Stutzle has 30 more points than Laf. Woof.

 

[RangersFan1994]

He came, got paid, and checked out.

Thats the lack of leadership. He takes after the overpaid vets. Horrible situation for the Rangers. They need real leadership that care about their performance over their contract. No accountability and it's pathetic

 

[RangersFan1994]

A real coaching staff would scratch him for his lazy play. Put Berard and Kaliyev in and scratch Kreider and Lafy

 

[ReddestRum]

Does Laf pass in this situation or no?

 

[LeetchisGod]

Should we cut bait or wait until his value drops further?

 

[Talisman_52]

Both can be true. We can have crap coaches and Laf can be lazy and underperform. Guy glides and stops moving his feet way too often. That’s effort and that’s on him.

I mostly agree with this.

I would like a better coaching staff. A pretty solid team that has just fallen short numerous times has had a major regression this year, including the goalie. I especially do not like the own-zone play and somehow the power play has taken a complete nose dive.

I really wonder what the heck Phil Housley does. From what I remember, he was a terrible defender when he played and was above average on stacked power-play groups.

Didn’t we bring Staal back into the org? What the heck is he doing? At least he was dominant at defending at one point in his career.

 

[Whoot Whoot]

just our luck that he is back in his turtle shell in crunch time.