Alexis Lafrenière is still sleeping peacefully. The 2020 draft class leader expects to continue his career with the New York Rangers.
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“I don’t worry about rumours, said the 21-year-old winger in an interview with the Journal. There are often rumors. I can’t stress myself out about this. I remain very happy with the Rangers.
Lafrenière made this statement between shots at the Hartley-Lowe-Pagé golf tournament in Lachute for the benefit of the Argenteuil Community Social Pediatrics Center.
Rodger Brulotte, our trusty spy, handed him his cell phone for a quick chat about his future in Manhattan.
For a few weeks, the name of Lafrenière has been circulating in the noise of the corridors of the NHL.
1er Last July, New York Athletic website journalist Arthur Staple wrote that Chris Drury was quietly exploring options to trade his young left winger. A few days later, Staple released an information saying that a source at Rangers told him that was ultimately not the case.
Lafrenière remains very calm with this reality. He always imagines himself in the uniform of the “Blue Shirts”.
“Yes, I spoke with Chris (Drury) our general manager, he told. I know the negotiations are going well. I remain confident. I keep a day-to-day mentality.”
Negotiate a future contract
After three seasons in Manhattan, Lafrenière will now need to sign a new contract by the team’s next camp. He has finished his rookie deal. In theory, the left winger should get a short-term pact (bridge contract) since he didn’t get the numbers to break the bank.
“I have confidence that we will find an agreement, he replied without going into details. I don’t control this portion too much. We’ll see.”
In his third season with the Rangers, the former Rimouski Océanic experienced modest progress with 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists) and a record of +10 in 81 games. He didn’t write his name on the scoresheet in seven games against the New Jersey Devils in the first round, though.
Lafrenière had 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists) in 79 games in 2021-22 and 21 points (12 goals, 9 assists) in 56 games in his rookie season.
“I would like to have my best season next year,” he replied. I have confidence in my abilities and my abilities.”
Among the many changes within the team, Drury granted a two-year contract to Alex Belzile, a former Canadian.
Belzile, who wore the “C” for captain of the Laval Rocket, will be a big influence with his young teammate if he wins a job with the Rangers.
A change of air
After one season with David Quinn and two more with Gerard Gallant, Lafrenière will now work with a third head coach in Peter Laviolette.
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“Yes, I think it will be good for me,” he said. I don’t know Peter personally yet, but I hear good things about him. I have a feeling he will be a good coach for us. We are very excited to start a new season with him.”
In the Manhattan jungle, the Rangers will cling to hopes of repatriating the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1994.
“We will still have a good team in New York,” he predicted. We will work hard to achieve the main objective, to make it to the Stanley Cup final.”