Alexis Lafrenière’s Seven-Year, $52.15 Million Extension is A Wise Bet for the New York Rangers

After years of anticipation and steady development, the New York Rangers have made a major commitment to Alexis Lafrenière, their 2020 first overall pick. The 22-year-old forward signed a seven-year, $52.15 million contract extension, with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.45 million. This deal stamps Lafrenière as a core piece of the Rangers long-term future, and it comes at a time when he’s finally delivering on the potential that once made him the NHL’s most coveted young prospect. After recording 57 points in 82 games last season, Lafrenière broke out in the playoffs with 8 goals and 14 points in 16 games, making him one of the Rangers top performers. With 4 goals and 7 points already in the first seven games of this season, Lafrenière looks poised to deliver on the expectations that have been set for him.

Lafrenière’s Journey to Stardom

The road to this new contract hasn’t been without its bumps. After his selection as the first overall pick, Lafrenière faced heavy scrutiny for his early struggles to adjust to the NHL pace. He took time to find his footing, but each year saw incremental improvement. The breakthrough came last season, when he found consistency and confidence in his game. Finishing with 57 points, he exhibited a versatile playing style, with a strong net-front presence, a more tenacious approach in the corners, and refined puck-handling that allowed him to break open plays. The Rangers witnessed glimpses of his potential as he played on various lines, showing he could adapt to different roles and complement the talent around him.

But it was in the playoffs where Lafrenière proved he could excel when the stakes are highest. His 8 goals and 14 points over 16 playoff games showcased his scoring instincts and his emerging leadership on the ice. That postseason performance was not only promising for Lafrenière’s development but also signaled to the Rangers that he could be the long-term, big game player they hoped he would become.

Why the Seven-Year Extension Makes Sense

The Rangers decision to lock Lafrenière into a seven-year deal is a significant show of confidence in the young winger. This deal provides both the Rangers and Lafrenière with long-term stability, which can be a crucial factor in continued development. Here’s why this contract makes sense for both parties:

1. A Reasonable Cap Hit for Prime Years

Given that Lafrenière is only 22, this contract will cover the entirety of his prime years, ensuring that the Rangers can benefit from his peak performance. By locking him in at $7.45 million AAV, the Rangers have acquired a potential top line scorer at a price that’s likely to look like a bargain as the salary cap continues to rise and if Lafrenière keeps improving.

2. Commitment to Building Around Youth

The Rangers have been meticulously crafting a young, talented core with players like K’Andre Miller, Kaapo Kakko, and Filip Chytil. Lafrenière’s extension fits into this strategy by ensuring that the team’s cornerstone players can grow together and build on their chemistry. This approach fosters a team identity that hinges on young skill and high upside.

3. Lafrenière’s Continued Growth and Playoff Breakout

Lafrenière’s 57 points last season were a major step forward, but his playoff performance was what truly elevated his standing in the organization. His 8 playoff goals tied him as the Rangers leading goal-scorer in the postseason, proving that he could be a reliable scorer when the pressure is on. Securing a player who performs under pressure is invaluable, and the Rangers investment reflects their belief in his playoff potential.

Betting on Immediate Production

Lafrenière’s quick start to the 2024-25 season (4 goals and 7 points in the first 7 games) is a promising indicator that he’s ready to deliver in this new role as a central figure on the team. His early season production aligns with the trend of steady improvement he’s shown each year, and it’s a hopeful sign that he can meet the expectations that come with this significant contract.

The Rangers, led by coach Peter Laviolette, are also embracing a style of play that emphasizes speed, aggression, and offensive creativity. Lafrenière fits this mold, and the consistency he’s showing this season suggests he’s more comfortable within the team’s system and more confident in his role. This hot start can energize both Lafrenière and his teammates, providing momentum that could make the Rangers a serious contender this season.

Risks Involved with the Long-Term Deal

Every long-term deal carries some risk, and Lafrenière’s extension is no exception. While he has certainly progressed since his rookie season, there’s still a gap between his current level and the star-level production that his draft status once suggested. If Lafrenière plateaus or fails to reach elite production levels, the contract could weigh heavily on the Rangers cap space in future years, especially if other young players need new deals.

Additionally, Lafrenière’s success has largely come alongside established, skilled players like Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Vincent Trocheck. This raises the question of whether he’ll be able to sustain his production if asked to drive his own line or take on more defensive responsibilities. As a player known primarily for his offense, he’ll need to round out his game to fully justify his new contract.

The Potential Payoff

By making Lafrenière a fixture in their plans, the Rangers are signaling that they see him as a potential franchise stalwart. If Lafrenière continues to develop his game, especially if he can further improve his skating and playmaking abilities, this contract could be a steal for the Rangers in the coming years. Given his leadership potential and early postseason success, Lafrenière could eventually grow into a role where he’s seen as one of the faces of the Rangers, both on and off the ice.

Final Thoughts

Alexis Lafrenière’s seven-year, $52.15 million extension is a defining moment for both the player and the Rangers. It represents a leap of faith from the team, a belief that Lafrenière’s breakout playoff performance and consistent improvement will translate into continued growth. For Lafrenière, it’s a chance to solidify his legacy in New York and prove that he can be the star everyone envisioned. His strong start to this season is a promising indication that he’s ready for the challenge, and if he continues to evolve, this could be the contract that turns him from a top prospect into a franchise player.