New York Rangers closing in on a blockbuster extension with young star Alexis Lafreniere

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Tom Banks
October 25, 2024 (3:09 PM)

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The New York Rangers have one of the most talented young cores in the NHL, and now it appears they're locking down one of those players with a huge deal.

Drafted with the No. 1 overall pick back in 2020, Alexis Lafreniere has been a work in progress with the New York Rangers, as he started his career much slower than the likes of Connor Bedard. Every year in the NHL however, the 23-year-old has shown steady improvement, with a career-high in goals (28) and points (57) a season ago, showing he has the talent to be the star this team was hoping for.

In 2024/25 he's off to another hot start, posting four goals and seven points through the team's first seven games, and it appears he's going to be rewarded for it. According to Larry Brooks of The New York Post, New York is closing in on a deal with Lafreniere that would pay him just under $7.6 million per season over the length of a seven-year contract.

Recently, it was reported that Lafreniere and the Rangers front office couldn't agree on term, but now that has seemingly changed, with an extension on the horizon as he continues to grow and produce like the player they expected back in 2020.

One more thing that has changed for Lafreniere this season is his standing in the lineup, as the team has finally trusted him to be a top-line player that a No. 1 overall pick should be, and the results clearly speak for themselves. Top NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman believes a deal could be closed in on in the next 24-48 hours, and given the Rangers' need for stability as they chase a Stanley Cup, it makes perfect sense to get a deal done this season.