Two Canadian Teams Are Confirmed to Have Interest in Former First Overall Pick Alexis Lafrenier

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S. Harper
January 3, 2023 (3:08 PM)

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The New York Rangers are deep in the thick of things in the Metropolitan Division sitting in 4th spot with a 20-12-6 record as they battle to return to the playoffs.

The last thing the Rangers need right now is distractions, but unfortunately they have a huge one when it comes to 21 year-old Alexis Lafreniere. The young star had so much potential when he was taken 1st overall by the Rangers back in the 2020 draft.

However, despite being just 21, Lafreniere hasn't had the same success in the NHL as he did in junior hockey. Lafreniere has just 5 goals, and 12 assists this season and after he was benched, but that didn't work, Lafreniere was made a healthy scratch this weekend and has been in discussions of recent trade talks.

There's been team's already inquiring about Lafreniere, including the Montreal Canadiens, and the Vancouver Canucks. Vancouver might have a advantage if they want Lafreniere as the Canucks assistant General Manager Emilie Castonguay was Lafreniere's former agent before taking the Job in Vancouver.

The Rangers won't be just giving away a former 1st overall pick though, meaning if the Canadiens, Canucks, or whoever else is interested is going to have to give Rangers Gm Chris Drury the right return to make a deal.