Earlier today, Alexis Lafreniere and the Rangers agreed on a new two-year deal worth a reported $2.325 million on average through 2025.

For the former 2020 top pick, he gets about what he’s worth after failing to live up to expectations over his entry-level contract (ELC). I had him around $2.5 million AAV. The $2.325 million cap hit is a little more than Kaapo Kakko is playing under. Like Lafreniere, the former 2019 second pick hasn’t quite measured up yet.

In many aspects, they’re very similar. Neither has received ideal top six duty or consistent power play time. Both are entering critical stages in their still young careers.

Kakko set personal bests in goals (18), assists (22), points (40), and plus/minus (12). Thirty-seven came at even strength. Lafreniere established career highs in assists (23), points (39), and plus/minus (10). Thirty-five came at even strength. He added three power play goals.

If there’s one area the 21-year-old left wing excels at, it’s physicality. His 141 hits ranked fifth amongst Ranger skaters. It was the second consecutive season he delivered over 100 hits. He isn’t shy about finishing checks and getting the jersey dirty. That’s something that should help him under new coach Peter Laviolette. He emphasizes a strong forecheck along with grit.

For Lafreniere to excel, he’ll need to show more speed through the neutral zone. A solid overall player, his skating hasn’t been as good as advertised. Another similarity he and Kakko have. They are effective on the cycle. Both are capable of winning board battles. That’s what made their line with Filip Chytil good at five-on-five. They’re likely to play on different lines in 2023-24.

It’ll be interesting to see how Laviolette uses the three key young forwards. They will be critical to team success. It can’t just be about established stars Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, and Chris Kreider. If the Rangers are to have a better season, they’ll need both Lafreniere and Kakko to earn more ice time under the disciplined Laviolette, who preaches accountability. It’ll make this year’s roster more interesting. Nobody will get a free ride. Those days are over.

Hopefully, Lafreniere can prove that he belongs in the top six. Something that isn’t guaranteed. He’s still behind Kreider and Panarin on the depth chart. Will he have to shift over to the right side to make it work? Kakko is expected to compete with veteran Blake Wheeler for top line duty. It’s easier for him due to playing his natural side.

For Lafreniere, it might come down to numbers. Obviously, he needs to produce. If he can, then things should take care of itself. The same goes for Kakko and Chytil, who registered new career bests with 22 goals, 23 assists, and 45 points. The better question for the coaching staff is, is Chytil better suited to center the second line than Vincent Trocheck. It’s one Laviolette should explore.

The days of the kids being second in the pecking order have to end. If K’Andre Miller can play big minutes, it’s about time we find out if Lafreniere, Kakko, and Chytil can. Don’t forget that they played a pivotal role in the team’s return to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022. They continued to grow as players in what amounted to an inconsistent 2022-23.

It’s also worth watching how close Brennan Othmann is to becoming an NHL player. He’ll get training camp to impress the new staff. Even if he’s likely ticketed for Hartford, the former 2021 first round pick has a bright future. Hopefully, the organization will do what’s best for his development.

In other NHL news, the Maple Leafs signed Auston Matthews to a four-year contract extension. He could’ve been a free agent next summer. Instead, the former league MVP will stay in Toronto until age 30. He’s set to earn $11.64 million thru 2024. When his new deal begins in 2024-25, Matthews will be paid over $13 million. It’s a cap hit of $13.25 million.

That allows Leafs fans to breathe easier. They don’t have to worry about their franchise player leaving next year. William Nylander is entering the final year of his contract. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with the overlooked star who is behind Matthews and Mitch Marner.