We now know the truth behind Alexis Lafreniere's short-term contract
PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
August 25, 2023 (3:27 PM)
Alexis Lafreniere hasn't ever quite hit his strides in the NHL since being the top pick back in the 2020 NHL Draft, and now, his time in New York could slowly be coming to an end.
A fresh start?
While the signing of an extension would signal to most fans that Lafreniere is remaining in New York, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman had a different take on the two-year deal.
According to Friedman, the two-year, $2.35 AAV deal was to give him one final shot in New York under a new coach, and if that doesn't work, his number is very palatable for a trade next season.
Everybody is kind of in a position where they're saying, look, we're going to try this under a new coach, see where it goes if it's not good next summer then I think you can move him at a number that I think teams can handle because I just think if it's another year likes this they're probably going to have to move on. To me it's a 2-yr deal, but it's a 1-yr deal in New York and then we will see.
Untapped potential
Whether it be the bright lights of New York, the changing opportunities and linemates or another reason, it appears Lafreniere just hasn't been developed the way fans would have liked, and now he may be done.
Ultimately, he has scored just 47 goals and 91 points in his 216 NHL games played to date, but at 21-years old, there's no reason he can't turn it around, so 2023-24 is his chance to survive in New York, and if not, he'll be getting a fresh start.
As Read on Hockey Feed - The real truth behind Alexis Lafrenière's contract in New York emerges!
POLL |
AOUT 25 | 924 ANSWERS We now know the truth behind Alexis Lafreniere's short-term contract Will Alexis Lafreniere have over 50 points next season? |
Yes | 432 | 46.8 % |
No | 492 | 53.2 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Chris Gerics Bad News for the Toronto Maple Leafs as Matthew Knies Exits Game with Apparent Injury vs. the Blue Jackets |
|
2 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Auston Matthews Penalized After Unusual Incident with Blue Jackets Goalie's Stick |
|
3 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Toronto Maple Leafs Ideal Potential Trade Target at Centre Revealed |
|
5 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Two Boston Bruins Named Top Trade Targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs |
|
6 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Blockbuster 1-for-1 Trade Proposal Emerges Between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins |
|
8 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Blue Jackets Goalie Leaves Morning Skate in Distress Ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs Matchup |
|
8 hours ago | By Chris Gerics San Jose Sharks Make Waiver Claim, per Elliotte Friedman |
|
9 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Toronto Maple Leafs Identified as Fit for Big Right-Hand Defenseman |
Previously on HockeyPatrol