New York Rangers shoot down any speculation about trading Alexis Lafrenière
The New York Rangers decided that this rumor was something they wanted to get out in front of immediately.
On Saturday, David Pagnotta said that the Rangers would be willing to move Alexis Lafrenière in a big deal for a player with term.
“One player that they are dangling, and I’m going to preface this by saying it’s going to take a significant deal for this to happen, is Alexis Lafrenière,” Pagnotta said. “My understanding is they’ve made him available if they bring in a top flight talent that has term on his contract.”
New York Rangers not shopping Lafrenière
It took about an hour for the New York Rangers to get on the phone with certain reporters to shoot down the speculation.
The most emphatic being NY Post scribe Larry Brooks’ response: “If this even needs to be said, report that Rangers are shopping or looking to deal Lafreniere is utter fiction, per trustworthy club source.”
Oddly enough, it was Brooks in an article discussing the potential of acquiring Patrick Kane that got the ball rolling on any speculation involving the aging superstar.
Brooks also made the suggestions that unless Lafrenière could make the move to the right side, that he could be a trade candidate back in January.
The Fourth Period told Forever Blueshirts they stand by their report.
Would the Rangers consider trading Lafrenière?
If you believe in the old adage that if Wayne Gretzky can be traded, then anyone can, the answer is yes.
Of course, such a deal would not be done under the duress of the NHL Trade Deadline, it would be an offseason move. I also highly doubt it would be for a player like Patrick Kane or J.T. Miller who have one year remaining on their contracts.
It would have to be for a star player under 27, who makes around $5 million or less. There aren’t too many of those available. That’s why the idea of trading Lafrenière, who is in essence a cost-controlled young player makes no sense. Even if you add in the concern of an offer-sheet it still seems illogical.
Plus, Lafrenière is just starting to come into his own and looking more comfortable on the first line with each passing game. The 20 year-old first overall pick in the 2020 Draft has 13 goals and 19 points in 59 games this season.
NHL Rumors
There are a ton of trade rumors swirling with the deadline just two days away. Catch up on all of it here.
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