Lafreniere's Terrible Display Has Fans Questioning If He Should Be Cut from the Rangers

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Dawson McKenzie
October 2, 2023 (7:55 PM)

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After a recent play in the Rangers-Islanders Preseason game, fans have been questioning whether or not Lafreniere should be on the roster this year.

Lafreniere's Lazy Play Ignites Fans' Calls for Him to be Cut

While the pre-season doesn't actually mean anything, it does give fans a little insight into how players treat practice and games when they don't matter. Fans get a sneak peek into how players prepare for the season and how seriously they take practices and games.

For many players, there is no question of their commitment to getting better. Even for some who don't necessarily look like they are trying hard, their skill and resume in the NHL gives them some slack in the eyes of fans.

For Lafreniere, though, this isn't the case. He certainly hasn't earned "star" status, especially for Rangers fans, and on this play in preseason, he might have lost their respect too.

In the Rangers-Islanders game, Lafreniere can be seen lazily giving up on a play near the centre ice, which then turns into a goal for the Islanders. The lack of enthusiasm from the highly criticized, former 1st overall draft pick has some fans calling for him to be cut.

Beautiful feed from Lee to Pageau after Gauthier starts the play

I would cut Alexis Lafreniere from my hockey team tomorrow for this bull. Biggest bust in NHL history.

Lafreniere is Entering a Make or Break Year With the Rangers

Fans have a right to be upset with Lafreniere, as his career thus far has not panned out exactly as they'd hoped. The former first-overall pick has yet to break 20 goals in a season, and his career-high in points is just 39, not necessarily below average but not the production that fans expected.

This year could be it for Lafreniere to show the league that he can develop into an NHL star. If not, he may just be a depth-scoring option, but it's likely that he won't be that in New York.

As seen on Blade of Steel - "New York Rangers fans want Alexis Lafreniere cut after embarrassing effort on back check leading to a goal"