Or you could sign him long-term and if the Kakko's of the world show they can replace him trade him in a couple years if necessary. There shouldn't be an issue cap-wise until Lafreniere needs a contract.
I'm not as worried about leaving a spot open on the right side (one exists, it's occupied by Blackwell but it won't be long term) as much as I'm worried about being tied into our current roster layout. We need some useful oomph and we aren't really getting that out of anyone in the top 9 other than Kreider when he feels like it and Gauthier lately when he actually plays.