Alexis Lafreniere gets chance to learn from favorite player Patrick Kane
Alexis Lafrenière certainly idolized Sidney Crosby like many young hockey players, especially playing for the Rimouski Océanic in the QMJHL where Sid the Kid dominated.
However, when asked who his favorite player was prior to being taken first overall by the New York Rangers in 2020, there’s only one answer.
“Growing up, I’ve always watched Patrick Kane,” Lafrenière said. “Still watch him, he’s my favorite player. What he can do on the ice under pressure and in big moments, I think he can be the difference maker. Just always watched him and still is my favorite player.”
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On Tuesday, the New York Rangers completed a deal to bring Kane to Broadway and give Lafrenière a chance to play with his boyhood idol.
Alexis Lafreniere’s childhood dream comes true
Lafrenière, 21, has had a resurgence since being reunited with Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko on the Kid Line picking up 11 points in his last 15 matches. In 59 games this season, he’s recorded 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists).
While many feel that Lafrenière’s development is behind schedule for a first overall pick, many experts believe that he’s coming along just fine.
NHL Network Analyst and former NHL player Mike Rupp recently joined Forever Blueshirts in January to discuss the Rangers development of youngsters.
“Most first overall picks go to crappy teams,” Rupp said. “This isn’t a crappy team. This a team that was two games away from the Stanley Cup Finals. Gerard Gallant is in a win now mode and I don’t blame him for the lack of opportunities for those guys. It’s just where it’s at right now.
“I actually think that these type of things will help Kakko and Laf long term. They can’t necessarily play the game they’re used to playing for this team right now because they’re not there yet. So if they want to play and be in the lineup, they have to provide something different. I see an increase in their compete level battling for pucks. I see an increase in that and they’ve been much better.”
With that understanding, the addition of Patrick Kane provides Lafrenière with a great opportunity to learn from a proven winner that he admires.
A chance to make a Stanley Cup run with your favorite player? A kid’s dream come true.
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