Realistic trade options if Rangers decide to deal Alexis Lafrenière, including Trevor Zegras

Coming off a step-back performance this past season with the New York Rangers, Alexis Lafreniere’s underwhelming campaign sparked trade rumors in some circles. With his new contract valued at an $7.45 million average annual value kicking in next season, the Rangers must decide whether the 23-year-old forward is a key part of their future or better used as leverage in a trade to continue shaking up their core.

After he scored 28 goals and posted career-best numbers across the board in 2023-24, expectations for Lafreniere were through the roof and the Rangers handed him a hefty raise to lock him up the next seven years. But he was unable to live up to the hype.

Lafrienere finished the 2024-25 season with 17 goals and 45 points, a disappointment that again raised questions about his ceiling at the NHL level.

To be fair, Lafreniere wasn’t the only one who took a step back this season. This was a massive team-wide fail. And specific to Lafreniere, his veteran linemates — Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck — saw their numbers tumble back to earth after career-best seasons in 2023-24, too.

But there are those who believe moving on from Lafreniere is the way to go because he will never live up to being the star the Rangers envisioned when he was selected No. 1 overall in 2020. Mollie Walker of the New York Post suggested to Forever Blueshirts that the Rangers might be better off trading Lafreniere – not because he is a lost cause, but because too many signs aren’t pointing in the right direction with him. In her words on the RINK RAP podcast, “It just hasn’t been there in a lot of facets,” and she added the team might want to “get out sooner rather than later.”

So, for argument’s sake, let’s say Chris Drury and Co. shop Lafreniere this offseason. What are some realistic trade options out there for the Rangers?

Realistic options if Rangers want to trade Alexis Lafreniere

Note: we understand other components like draft picks or other players might be included in these trade options, but we’re just focusing here on the main returns for Lafreniere if he’s dealt.

Anaheim Ducks

If the Rangers want to make a bold move, trading for Trevor Zegras could be an option to consider – but it could come with a hefty price tag. A potential trade could cost more than just Lafreniere in a one-for-one swap. Not to mention Zegras hasn’t exactly had a linear path to success either.

Injuries have slowed his path and production the past two seasons, but Zegras had consecutive 60-point seasons as a 20- and 21-year old. When healthy, he’s showcased elite puck skills and playmaking abilities.

Lafreniere hasn’t reached 60 points yet in five NHL seasons, though he’s proven to be more durable than Zegras, who also entered the League in 2020-21. Lafreniere has solid postseason experience and Zegras has yet to appear in a single Stanley Cup Playoff game, so there’s that to factor in, too.

There are questions about Zegras’ defensive play, but his overall upside as a top-six forward who can slot in at center is enticing. And there’s no question that the Bedford, New York, native would love to play for the Rangers.