In the fast-paced world of hockey, news travels quickly. And TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun certainly wasted no time in reporting that the New York Rangers and budding superstar Alexis Lafreniere are in the final stages of hammering out a lucrative seven-year, $52.15 million contract extension. If all goes according to plan, this deal would come with a hefty $7.45 million annual cap hit, solidifying Lafreniere’s future with the Rangers for years to come.
According to the ever-reliable LeBrun, discussions between Lafreniere and the Rangers began prior to the start of the current season. However, initial negotiations hit a few bumps in the road. Despite the bumps, the Rangers view Lafreniere as an integral part of their core and were insistent on getting a deal done with the talented forward.
Lafreniere, the top overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft, may have faced a slow start to his professional career, but he quickly found his footing and has since been a consistent producer on the ice. With impressive numbers like 28 goals and 29 assists in 82 games last season, Lafreniere has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. To top it off, he showcased his playoff prowess with eight goals and six assists in 16 games during the Rangers’ deep run to the Eastern Conference Final.
As the negotiations for Lafreniere’s mega-deal continue, the Rangers must also turn their attention to another key player – goaltender Igor Shesterkin. The star netminder is set to hit unrestricted free agency, and rumors swirl that he is eyeing a record-breaking contract that would make him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history.
If Lafreniere puts pen to paper on this new deal, the Rangers will have successfully secured one cornerstone of their team for the future. With excitement building and anticipation running high, fans eagerly await the official announcement of Lafreniere’s extension and what it could mean for the Rangers’ quest for an elusive championship.