Senators owner scoffs at idea of trading picks 3 and 5 for Rangers number 1

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Eugene Melnyk, the owner of the Ottawa Senators basically laughed off the notion his team would trade both his first round picks to the Rangers for number one.

Eugene Melnyk scoffs at the idea of trading for Lafreniere

According to the Ottawa Citizen, Melnyk said in an email, “The idea of trading our 3rd and 5th picks for the No. 1 pick is nonsensical.” Truly that is a steep price to pay for Alexis Lafreniere, but one some teams would feel worth it.

“We’re very excited to welcome our many new Ottawa Senators that will come to us via the upcoming draft,” the Senators owner concluded.

Rangers were not trading Alexis Lafreniere anyway

NY Rangers Alexis Lafreniere
Quinton Byfield and Alexis Lafreniere are two big players in this draft (Getty Images)

While the game of hypotheticals is fun to play, the Rangers were never likely going to move the pick. NY, has not selected first overall since 1965. To boot, Alexis Lafreniere is considered a surefire star with offensive upside and grit. He has future captain written all over him.

The fact that both Jeff Gorton and John Davidson refuse to outright say they are drafting him is what is causing the runway for such speculation. As I’ve written before, I’ve spoken to several team sources after the draft lottery that are “over the moon” about winning the right to draft this kid.

For more on Alexis Lafreniere, check out this episode of the Forever Blueshirts podcast.

By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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