Is Alexis Lafrenière In Store For A Bounce-Back Season?

What should we expect from Alexis Lafrenière this upcoming season?

Since he was selected with the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers, all eyes have been on Lafrenière, which has come with a lot of pressure. 

Lafrenière was considered to be a can’t-miss prospect, a generational talent if you will, but out of the gate, he struggled to live up to those expectations. 

It wasn’t until the 2023-24 campaign when Lafrenière truly seemed to blossom into his own as had a breakout season, recording 28 goals, 29 assists, and 57 points in 82 games while averaging 17:16 minutes. 

The 23-year-old was rewarded with a seven-year, $52.15 contract extension by the Rangers. 

Despite securing the long-term contract extension he desired and appearing to be on an upward trajectory in terms of his development, Lafrenière regressed during the 2024-25 season with his stats and level of play taking a significant dip. 

It’s been a bumpy few years for Lafrenière, filled with a ton of highs and lows. 

Lafrenière was included in some trade rumors during the offseason, but he still remains in New York and still has the potential to be an All-Star caliber player.

The young forward played his best hockey alongside Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck, so if that line combination is used during the season, Lafrenière's comfort level will certainly be high. 

Another part of this equation is the newly hired Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan. Maybe fresh eyes behind the bench could help reignite Lafrenière's firepower and unleash his full potential. 

It’s tough to say how Lafrenière will play, but don’t be surprised if he has a bounce-back season.