BonMorrison
Registered User
Glad to see him and Byfield finally breaking out. Not sure if they'll be the best of the draft class but it's nice to see them starting to prove doubters wrong.
Let’s talk about Lafreniere. What kind of player is he turning into?
- Thread starter HabsCode
- Start date
Devilsfan118
Sing us a song, you're the Schiano man
Didn't want to create a thread for a simple question. Figured it was as good of a place to ask as any. Didn't mean to take a shot at rangers fans
Szechwan
Registered User
- Sep 13, 2006
- 6,153
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The current iteration of Brock Boeser is actually a good comparison. Not overly physical, but still strong on the puck. Wins board battles with positioning and stickwork rather than overpowering opponents. Smart, knows where to go on the ice, but not the fastest guy in getting there. Finds soft spots and good hands in tight.
I was curious too, I think that guy is just a bit oversensitive.
People too often conflate "skating" with "acceleration". Lafreniere's first couple steps could use some work, but he's a very good skater overall; it's part of why he's a really strong transition player.
I think he's a player that tends to get mischaracterized. I sometimes see him described as a power forward, but I don't really think that's his game at all. He's physical enough to win puck battles and hang in tough areas, but he's not big or strong enough to dominate NHL players or be that immovable rock in front of the net. It kinda felt that was what Gallant was trying to turn him into, and I think that was a mistake. He's a skill forward first and foremost.
I think his playmaking is an underrated part of his game. It's not an attribute that shines when on his offwing, on a line driven by Panarin, but he has a good vision and is a very accurate passer. I think it's an aspect of him we'd see more if he got more PP time.
He needs to work on getting his shot off quicker, and start developing a good one-timer. That, more than anything, is what will allow him to replace Zibanejad on the Rangers' 1st PP unit.
On the whole, I think he has all the tools needed to be a star offensive winger, and I think he's getting there. Not sure why people feel the need to put a cap on his potential; he's still pretty young.
I think he's a player that tends to get mischaracterized. I sometimes see him described as a power forward, but I don't really think that's his game at all. He's physical enough to win puck battles and hang in tough areas, but he's not big or strong enough to dominate NHL players or be that immovable rock in front of the net. It kinda felt that was what Gallant was trying to turn him into, and I think that was a mistake. He's a skill forward first and foremost.
I think his playmaking is an underrated part of his game. It's not an attribute that shines when on his offwing, on a line driven by Panarin, but he has a good vision and is a very accurate passer. I think it's an aspect of him we'd see more if he got more PP time.
He needs to work on getting his shot off quicker, and start developing a good one-timer. That, more than anything, is what will allow him to replace Zibanejad on the Rangers' 1st PP unit.
On the whole, I think he has all the tools needed to be a star offensive winger, and I think he's getting there. Not sure why people feel the need to put a cap on his potential; he's still pretty young.
The real answer it depends on who you ask. I think his ceiling is not consistent with his draft position. Even if he breaks out at some point he would not be #2 worthy pick. However, he is an NHLer already so if he's cheap you could argue he's a decent asset. I just think ideally he's a 4th liner right now and his ceiling is middle 6 defensive forward. I think a lot of people myself included doubt he reaches that ceiling. Others are more optimistic.
It's hard to tell when something is legit curiosity and when something is a snide remark. On the main boards I'd say over 50% of the time it's the latter. Rangers fans have been hearing (and saying themselves to be fair) about our two big busts for years now. It was always this gotcha thing. So if I'm oversensitive it's not without reason. And that being a snide remark would be pretty on brand for this forum. My apologies that I misread it.
I dunno about some of the comments about his physical play here…he likes to throw the body and fights hard along the boards for pucks. He’s not a dominate with size player but he’s kinda gritty and likes to mix it up
ORRFForever
Registered User
- Oct 29, 2018
- 19,754
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His advancement in the last year has been eye catching and he still has real upside. Put him on PP1 and he'll be PPG+ every season.
I like the Corry Perry comparison.
When it's all said and done, I think he'll have a better career than the player who went 1OA the year before - he'll be a strong, healthy player well into his 30's.
I like the Corry Perry comparison.
When it's all said and done, I think he'll have a better career than the player who went 1OA the year before - he'll be a strong, healthy player well into his 30's.
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Lol. Homie hasn’t even cracked 60 points yet. Chill.
Alexis Lafreniere is 7 feet tall, Kills men by the hundreds, and if he were here he'd consume the English with fireballs from his eyes and bolts of lightning from his arse.
CristianoRonaldo
Registered User
He's turning into someone that's proving me wrong... 
TheDawnOfANewTage
Dahlin, it’ll all be fine
- Dec 17, 2018
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These are what I’m noticing.
He was like a lesser Tavares to me at first, but Tavares’ talents were enough for immediate success- Laf looked like he’d get stuck in tweeter/grinder territory, I just didn’t see where he could unlock those supposed skills. He looks quicker and more confident now, and that opens up a ton for his game.
Lafreniere has finally caught up to the speed of the game. He will be the next Rangers captain and a point per game player for years to come.
TheDawnOfANewTage
Dahlin, it’ll all be fine
- Dec 17, 2018
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He's turning into someone that's proving me wrong...
Me too man, thought it was 100% him developing early. Whoops.
JediOrderPizza
Registered User
NordiquesForeva
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- May 30, 2022
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I think he has the potential to be a Marian Hossa-type player once he fully develops. He kind of reminds me of Hossa at the start of his career. Both natural wingers that can play both sides of the ice. Lafreniere seems to lack (at this point) Hossa's ability to accelerate, but is a really good skater nonetheless. Both have good all-around offensive skills and toolboxes. Both are big wingers who can get the job done physically and get to the prime scoring areas with their size and strength, but neither are "power forwards" in the traditional sense of the term.
Hossa separated himself as a truly elite winger with his defensive play fairly early in his career (though he wasn't recognized for it with Selke votes until much later), and obviously only time will tell if Lafreniere follows a similar path.
Hossa separated himself as a truly elite winger with his defensive play fairly early in his career (though he wasn't recognized for it with Selke votes until much later), and obviously only time will tell if Lafreniere follows a similar path.
The Crypto Guy
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- Jun 26, 2017
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Career high 14 goals Stefan?.....no he didn't. Great post.
NordiquesForeva
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- May 30, 2022
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Well let me look into my crystal ball....
No, I'm just saying that Lafreniere's physical attributes and how he plays the game reminds me of Hossa at a similar age. I live in Ottawa and can't remember anyone was projecting Hossa as a Hall of Famer at the age of 22 either, but here we are...20+ years later.
I couldn't really care less about the Rangers, but I do like Lafreniere as a player.
Hes progressed into a fairly decent player. Looks like a middle six mainstay that can play in a variety of roles as a complimentary guy right now. Still lots of time to grow tho.
