F Alexis Lafreniere (2020, 1st, NYR) part 4

[King Makar19]

Hes been quite avg.
So ypung and no TC. Let him llay and judge him after 3 years.

 

[KovalSNIPE]

same discussion, different year. Last year was Hughes, this year Laf. It's too early to have these talks. Just move the f on and discuss other elements about him rather than his slow start.

He will be fine. And I'm a Devils fan.

 

[BomaLightDevils]

same discussion, different year. Last year was Hughes, this year Laf. It's too early to have these talks. Just move the f on and discuss other elements about him rather than his slow start.

He will be fine. And I'm a Devils fan.

But is the big X in this conversation that they are almost the same age despite being from different draft?

linemates?

 

[Guttersniped]

That's disappointing, given that he was hyped like he was the second coming of Christ.

I must have missed that degree of build-up for him.

And it’s not like need I feel the need to protect online Rangers’ fans feelings as a Devils fan. I humanize the Rangers fans I know in real life but I can only go so far. That’s a joke btw (mostly)

 

[peconcan]

Doesn’t look out of place at all. People just need to realize not every 1st overall pick isn’t going to come into the league at McDavid/Matthews caliber

 

[Guttersniped]

But is the big X in this conversation that they are almost the same age despite being from different draft?

linemates?

Lafreniere does have a late birthday for 2020 draft, he was born on October 11 2001. While Jack Hughes was younger player for 2019 draft, he was born on May 14 2001 so he’s five months older that Alexis.

You may be confusing Jack with Luke Hughes, who’s extremely young for the 2021 draft, just making the NHL draft age cut-off (September 15th) with his September 9th 2003 birthday.

Just to finish this off with more useless facts, Quinn Hughes, like Lafreniere, was old for his 2018 draft class with a October 14 1999 birthday. That’s why he could go to college in his draft year, unlike Jack and Luke.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I expect more than we’re seeing. The issue is not that he’s not good enough for the NHL. It’s that he doesn’t look anything like a scoring forward right now. I don’t know what’s happened. He doesn’t use his skill that often, and he uses his shot/passing/hockey sense even less. Right now he’s a bottom six player who looks like he belongs but doesn’t really do much positive or negative. That can’t be good enough for a 1OA. I know there was no preseason and the offseason was upended, but he’s been disappointing. We should at least see his ability a little more often. I think he’s gotten a little unlucky statistically, but I’m more worried with what I’m seeing on the ice. He’s just there, no real impact or flashes of high end ability.

 

[Cenzhin]

Lafreniere does have a late birthday for 2020 draft, he was born on October 11 2001. While Jack Hughes was younger player for 2019 draft, he was born on May 14 2001 so he’s five months older that Alexis.

You may be confusing Jack with Luke Hughes, who’s extremely young for the 2021 draft, just making the NHL draft age cut-off (September 15th) with his September 9th 2003 birthday.

Just to finish this off with more useless facts, Quinn Hughes, like Lafreniere, was old for his 2018 draft class with a October 14 1999 birthday. That’s why he could go to college in his draft year, unlike Jack and Luke.

It's not that they can't, (I'm assuming) it's because they didn't finish high school before their draft year. Werenski finished high school in 3 years and was 17 in his freshman season at Michigan.

 

[Sensinitis]

I expect more than we’re seeing. The issue is not that he’s not good enough for the NHL. It’s that he doesn’t look anything like a scoring forward right now. I don’t know what’s happened. He doesn’t use his skill that often, and he uses his shot/passing/hockey sense even less. Right now he’s a bottom six player who looks like he belongs but doesn’t really do much positive or negative. That can’t be good enough for a 1OA. I know there was no preseason and the offseason was upended, but he’s been disappointing. We should at least see his ability a little more often. I think he’s gotten a little unlucky statistically, but I’m more worried with what I’m seeing on the ice. He’s just there, no real impact or flashes of high end ability.

Development isn’t linear, be patient dude. His one handed pass tonight was pretty high end and he’s been showing flashes from time to time. Shortened season is perfect for him to get accustomed to the NHL and will favour him breaking out next season.

 

[Future]

I expect more than we’re seeing. The issue is not that he’s not good enough for the NHL. It’s that he doesn’t look anything like a scoring forward right now. I don’t know what’s happened. He doesn’t use his skill that often, and he uses his shot/passing/hockey sense even less. Right now he’s a bottom six player who looks like he belongs but doesn’t really do much positive or negative. That can’t be good enough for a 1OA. I know there was no preseason and the offseason was upended, but he’s been disappointing. We should at least see his ability a little more often. I think he’s gotten a little unlucky statistically, but I’m more worried with what I’m seeing on the ice. He’s just there, no real impact or flashes of high end ability.

Might be worth giving him a shot on the Powerplay. Give him some space to work with and utilize his strengths. Hopefully he would then gain some confidence.

 

[Artorius Horus T]

When talked about struggling rookies,...its always "funny" to read comments where fans focus on a single shift
or a single play,..just to keep hopes up. " he will be fine " but its impossible to know, so everyone are just hoping that he will be fine.
- or the other thing is to bring up the advanced stats, the expected what not nonsense to keep the hopes up.
- or to compare to other rookies who struggled

He scored 114 goals and about 300 points in 173 games, people expected him to play fine?, that'll he be fine in the NHL?.

Many scouts said, he was the most ready first year player to play since... many fans agreed and many expected him to
be in the range of ppg player in his rookie season (or somewhere in the whereabouts) and those people now are posting
he'll be fine, or well look how well he is playing and what not.

Why not people just admit it, that he has been (huge) disappointment so far after 11 games.
- and that the future is very much uncertain with him at this very moment.

 

[93LEAFS]

Lafreniere does have a late birthday for 2020 draft, he was born on October 11 2001. While Jack Hughes was younger player for 2019 draft, he was born on May 14 2001 so he’s five months older that Alexis.

You may be confusing Jack with Luke Hughes, who’s extremely young for the 2021 draft, just making the NHL draft age cut-off (September 15th) with his September 9th 2003 birthday.

Just to finish this off with more useless facts, Quinn Hughes, like Lafreniere, was old for his 2018 draft class with a October 14 1999 birthday. That’s why he could go to college in his draft year, unlike Jack and Luke.

Jack could have fast-tracked if he wanted to. See Werenski, Hanifin, and prior to that Toews.

 

[Samsquanch]

Doesn’t look out of place at all. People just need to realize not every 1st overall pick isn’t going to come into the league at McDavid/Matthews caliber

I mean to be fair, there is a wide range between expecting a McDavid, and expecting more than 1pt in 11gp from the #1OV.

Its curious and undeniable that he was touted as being VERY ready for the NHL. Like John Tavares he was considered to be an exceptional player that was touted as the #1 pick years before his draft, September born so they got an extra year of seasoning. CHL Player of the year. They literally had nothing left to prove after their extended time in major junior, said everyone.

NYR didnt even send him to the world juniors because it was considered below him at this point.

So yes, while I have never had high expectations in their early seasons from guys like Hischier, Kakko, Patrick, Hughes, Koktaneimei (sp?), Byfield, ect - all high picks of late.

Its fair to say that based on what we know and his pedigree/accolades, this is most certainly a slow start for Laffreniere. And plenty fair to have expected a bit more given his current linemates production last season.

 

[PAZ]

I mean to be fair, there is a wide range between expecting a McDavid, and expecting more than 1pt in 11gp from the #1OV.

Its curious and undeniable that he was touted as being VERY ready for the NHL. Like John Tavares he was considered to be an exceptional player that was touted as the #1 pick years before his draft, September born so they got an extra year of seasoning. CHL Player of the year. They literally had nothing left to prove after their extended time in major junior, said everyone.

NYR didnt even send him to the world juniors because it was considered below him at this point.

So yes, while I have never had high expectations in their early seasons from guys like Hischier, Kakko, Patrick, Hughes, Koktaneimei (sp?), Byfield, ect - all high picks of late.

Its fair to say that based on what we know and his pedigree/accolades, this is most certainly a slow start for Laffreniere. And plenty fair to have expected a bit more given his current linemates production last season.

In retrospect, Lafreniere missing the WJC might've been a misstep. For most of these young guys it's not lack of skill or talent, it's about confidence. Instead of riding a WJC high, he got thrown into the NHL on a rebuilding club. This is probably one of the first times he's faced adversity in his career, he'll be fine in the long run but he'll have to battle out of it mentally.

 

[Kupo]

Laf was great tonight. Legit did everything but score. I knew he could play the body, but tonight he was making some players his personal bitch.

Kid legit did everything but score. Credit the Isles and Varlamov. They played a suffocating game.

Anyone who watches hockey though will realize Laf is going to score quite a bit If he replicates the game he played tonight. Despite being scoreless, this was probably one of his best games thus far.

The sad thing is there are many stupid buffoons on this forum that expected more from a teenager 11 games into his rookie season. That’s who I feel sorry for. The fact that there are morons on this planet that are attempting to label this kid as this or that after 11 games.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Might be worth giving him a shot on the Powerplay. Give him some space to work with and utilize his strengths. Hopefully he would then gain some confidence.

He plays the PP. His unit hasn't scored a goal all season. Thats not his fault any more than the other four, but it'd be nice to see that unit contribute something. That unit has way too many talented players to not have contributed anything so far this season.

 

[Filthy Dangles]

He plays the PP. His unit hasn't scored a goal all season. Thats not his fault any more than the other four, but it'd be nice to see that unit contribute something. That unit has way too many talented players to not have contributed anything so far this season.

He gets mop up 2nd unit duty. So he's almost always starting with just 30-40 seconds left where his unit has to gain the zone first.

He should get more of an opportunity on the 1st unit.

 

[cheech70]

In retrospect, Lafreniere missing the WJC might've been a misstep. For most of these young guys it's not lack of skill or talent, it's about confidence. Instead of riding a WJC high, he got thrown into the NHL on a rebuilding club. This is probably one of the first times he's faced adversity in his career, he'll be fine in the long run but he'll have to battle out of it mentally.

What if he got Dached?

 

[nbwingsfan]

When talked about struggling rookies,...its always "funny" to read comments where fans focus on a single shift
or a single play,..just to keep hopes up. " he will be fine " but its impossible to know, so everyone are just hoping that he will be fine.
- or the other thing is to bring up the advanced stats, the expected what not nonsense to keep the hopes up.
- or to compare to other rookies who struggled

He scored 114 goals and about 300 points in 173 games, people expected him to play fine?, that'll he be fine in the NHL?.

Many scouts said, he was the most ready first year player to play since... many fans agreed and many expected him to
be in the range of ppg player in his rookie season (or somewhere in the whereabouts) and those people now are posting
he'll be fine, or well look how well he is playing and what not.

Why not people just admit it, that he has been (huge) disappointment so far after 11 games.
- and that the future is very much uncertain with him at this very moment.

I had not seen one single person ever say he was expected to be PPG or even anywhere close to that. Please explain.

 

[Bankers Box]

Laf was great tonight. Legit did everything but score. I knew he could play the body, but tonight he was making some players his personal bitch.

Kid legit did everything but score. Credit the Isles and Varlamov. They played a suffocating game.

Anyone who watches hockey though will realize Laf is going to score quite a bit If he replicates the game he played tonight. Despite being scoreless, this was probably one of his best games thus far.

The sad thing is there are many stupid buffoons on this forum that expected more from a teenager 11 games into his rookie season. That’s who I feel sorry for. The fact that there are morons on this planet that are attempting to label this kid as this or that after 11 games.

Laf had one of his better games last night but still managed to look kinda average out there.

I know you want to pump his tires a bit, which is fine and I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so in the future once the kid starts to figure it out, but he was not dominant in any way last night.

He is a tough player to figure out. He is a rookie and yet makes very few rookie mistakes, plays a smart, hard game. Yet, he also has not flashed any elite skill that we're all tuning into his games to see.

Don't know if it's coaching but he is playing like a coach's wet dream if he were a third liner.

NYR should let him go out there and play his game, let him make mistakes while learning how to adapt his elite game to the NHL.

I only tune into Ranger games to watch him and Kakko and I feel like I'm wasting my time at this point.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

He gets mop up 2nd unit duty. So he's almost always starting with just 30-40 seconds left where his unit has to gain the zone first.

He should get more of an opportunity on the 1st unit.

It's a conundrum.

Would I like Lafreniere to get more PP time? Yes. Is it going to help the team win? Probably not. You are absolutely right that its only 30-40 seconds, but isn't that what it is for teams that have a clear first and second unit?

It's a tough situation being on a second unit when the first plays a huge amount and you only get 30-40 seconds per PP, but it should be made clear that he has a regular PP spot. I'm not sure there's really a different way to go about this. In fact, his usage has not been a problem, in my opinion, at all. I've had way more of a problem this season with Kakko's usage. Lafreniere's also getting better usage than Kakko started out with last season.

 

[Figgie]

Would I like Lafreniere to get more PP time? Yes. Is it going to help the team win? Probably not.

Zibanejad have played 51.12min on power play this season and he have 1+0 on powerplay so I don't know would it get much worse if Rangers put Lafreniere on pp1 and take Ziba off.

 

[EdJovanovski]

He gets mop up 2nd unit duty. So he's almost always starting with just 30-40 seconds left where his unit has to gain the zone first.

He should get more of an opportunity on the 1st unit.

And that's being generous, often there's like 15 seconds left lol

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Zibanejad have played 51.12min on power play this season and he have 1+0 on powerplay so I don't know would it get much worse if Rangers put Lafreniere on pp1 and take Ziba off.

A few problems with that. First of all, teams don't take one of their few best players out of his normal role because he's had a bad 11-game start to the season. The only way the team will have the success it wants is Zibanejad playing to his maximum capability. Second of all, he's the only center on that unit. If you really wanted to take Zibanejad off, he swaps spots with Strome.

I think changes could absolutely be made to the first PP. However, I don't think Lafreniere's the next guy onto the unit. Kakko's probably earned a chance before Lafreniere. I want to see Lafreniere succeed as much as the next person, but it's really a matter of the guy unfortunately isn't earning any better of a role. This same discussion went on last season with how to get Kakko going, and Kakko's usage wasn't as good as Lafreniere has gotten so far at ES. He got a small stint on the first PP, which helped out his point totals a little, but didn't help his ES play.

 

[Filthy Dangles]

It's a conundrum.

Would I like Lafreniere to get more PP time? Yes. Is it going to help the team win? Probably not. You are absolutely right that its only 30-40 seconds, but isn't that what it is for teams that have a clear first and second unit?

It's a tough situation being on a second unit when the first plays a huge amount and you only get 30-40 seconds per PP, but it should be made clear that he has a regular PP spot. I'm not sure there's really a different way to go about this. In fact, his usage has not been a problem, in my opinion, at all. I've had way more of a problem this season with Kakko's usage. Lafreniere's also getting better usage than Kakko started out with last season.

The powerplay isn't working, he should get a look over someone like Buchnveich/Strome on the 1st unit if it continues