Unexpected last-minute announcement involving Alexis Lafrenière, it's settled

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Elias Adaime
July 2, 2024 (5:35 PM)

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On July 1st, Alexis Lafrenière could, according to the collective bargaining agreement, extend his contract with the New York Rangers.

However, this topic is not currently in the organization's plans as other matters are more pressing.

This information comes from Vincent Z. Mercogliano of the USA Today media network, who has a source close to the situation.

No contract extension this summer for Alexis Lafrenière with the New York Rangers

His informant even adds that there will be no negotiations before next summer.

USA Today - Don't expect Alexis Lafrenière, Rangers to negotiate contract extension this summer

Next season, the first overall pick of the 2020 draft will enter the second season of a two-year deal signed in August 2023, worth a total of $4.65M. He will have the right to pursue salary arbitration starting next summer. Therefore, the 2024-2025 season will be crucial for him if he wants a significant salary increase.

The Quebec native performed very well in 2023-2024 with the Blueshirts, accumulating 57 points, including 28 goals, in 82 games. He added 14 points in 16 playoff games during his team's spring run.

Throughout the season, Lafrenière not only made great progress but also became one of the five forwards on whom Laviolette relied most and had the most confidence, alongside veterans Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad. His head coach also had nothing but good things to say about him during the team's end-of-season review.

«His confidence evolved throughout the year, but I think his playoffs were excellent,» the coach said in a press conference. «He was productive, he was physical, he was remarkable, he was an impact player for us. We would certainly like to see him build on that next year and take on more responsibilities.» - Peter Laviolette

The Rangers are facing a potential salary cap issue this summer. It could become even more complicated next July [2025] when a possible extension for Igor Shesterkin comes into effect.

GM Chris Drury must now agree with Ryan Lingdren and Braden Schneider, who will both be restricted free agents, as well as decide what to do with the following upcoming unrestricted free agents: Jack Roslovic, Alexander Wennberg, Blake Wheeler, Erik Gustafsson, and Chad Ruhwedel.

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Which one will be the best player in three years, in your opinion?
Alexis Lafreni�re	119	14.3 %
Ivan Demidov	648	78 %
Cayden Lindstrom	26	3.1 %
Tij Iginla	38	4.6 %
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