Good things come to those who wait. For Alexis Lafreniere, that certainly applies. Coming off his best season, the 2020 top pick knew it was a contract year. The 23-year-old Rangers forward got off to a fast start by scoring four goals and tallying three assists for seven points in his first seven games this season.

He got rewarded with a well-deserved contract extension on Friday. A deal that was first reported by NY Post columnist Larry Brooks, Lafreniere signed for seven years for a $7.45 million cap hit. It’ll keep him a New York Ranger until 2032. The contract includes an $11 million in signing bonuses along with an eight-team no-trade list over the final five years.

When asked if it was something that was weighing on his mind by MSG reporter John Giannone, Lafreniere said, “I was trying to focus on playing. I’m happy it’s done now early in the year.”

NY Post Rangers beat writer Mollie Walker asked a good question about if he could’ve pictured signing the contract two years ago. He responded by saying, “I would’ve been fired up. I am today. Like I said, it’s great. Long deal. I love playing here. So, it’s really good for me to stay for a long time.”

Regarding agreeing to seven years over a shorter term in relation to the cap, he added, “Not really. I think seven years was good. Like I said. There were different options. But that’s the one we liked and we took it.”

When asked if he planned to get any gifts for linemates Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin, he chuckled and said, “Yeah. They’re talking about it. I have to wait until I actually get the money. Let’s see what I do with it.”

Lafreniere’s Growth Under Laviolette

It took Lafreniere a while to become the player he is today. From a tough rookie season during Covid without training camp, to adjusting to playing under former coach Gerard Gallant, who used him on the Kid Line with Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko, it hasn’t been easy. Gallant insisted that Lafreniere couldn’t play his off wing. Lafreniere contradicted him by telling reporters he was fine with the move to the right side.

Following a disappointing first round loss to the Devils, in which he didn’t have a point, Lafreniere was widely criticized. So was Gallant, who got fired due to key players voicing their displeasure with how he coached.

When Peter Laviolette was hired last year, it was to change the culture. He was more open to giving Lafreniere the opportunity to play the off wing on the second line. Originally, Chytil was supposed to center the line with Panarin and Lafreniere. A concussion against the Hurricanes on Nov. 10, 2023 ended that experiment.

Instead, Trocheck took over that role. He adjusted so quickly that it looked like he and Panarin had played together for much longer. Lafreniere was allowed to find good chemistry with his new linemates. Getting off to a good start certainly helped his transition. He scored a goal in four of the Rangers’ first seven games. When Trocheck debuted with the line, Lafreniere produced right away by scoring three goals and adding four assists for seven points in their first four games together.

Even when he went through stretches without producing, Laviolette was patient enough to stick with him. He never broke up the line. It resulted in Panarin having a career season – pacing the Rangers with 49 goals, 71 assists, and 120 points. Trocheck also set a new career best with 77 points (25-52-77). Lafreniere finished with personal bests in goals (28), assists (29), and points (57). It was highlighted by his first career hat trick in an 8-5 win over the Arizona Coyotes on Mar. 30. Lafreniere posted a career high five points in the victory.

A Strong Postseason

A year removed from finishing without a point in the playoffs, Lafreniere bounced back with a strong postseason. During the Rangers’ run to the Conference Finals, he scored eight goals and added six assists for a total of 14 points in 16 games. His eight goals tied with both Trocheck and Chris Kreider for the team lead. All eight came at even strength to pace the Rangers. His 14 points ranked fourth in team scoring.

While Panarin struggled against the Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final, Lafreniere was one of the Rangers’ best players. He scored four goals to pace them in a tough six-game series defeat. That included a two-goal performance in a 5-4 overtime win in Game 3. Lafreniere also scored in Games 4 and 5. Both were one-goal losses. He stood out as the most dangerous player against the eventual Stanley Cup champions.

Trocheck led the Blueshirts in scoring against the Panthers with six points (2-4-6). Panarin finished with a goal and three assists for four points.

Picking Up Where He Left Off

If there were any questions about his confidence entering the season, Lafreniere erased them. He scored a goal and assist in the Rangers’ season opening win over the Penguins on Oct. 9. In fact, he began 2024-25 with a five-game point streak (3-3-6). The only game he didn’t register a point in was against the Canadiens on Oct. 22. He hit a goalpost in the win.

Lafreniere was the lone bright spot in a 3-1 home loss to the Panthers on Thursday, Oct. 24. He scored his fourth goal of the season. It came on a nice setup from Adam Fox. After receiving Fox’s pass in front, he waited for Sergei Bobrovsky to go down before tucking home a backhand. That kind of patience and skill is what makes Lafreniere a good scorer. He has the ability to freeze defenders and finish off plays.

With seven points in his first seven games, it looks like he’s well on his way to an even better season than last year.

Drury Gets Credit for Deal

By getting Lafreniere signed on the dotted line, Rangers team president and general manager Chris Drury gets credit for the deal. He got it done. For as much criticism as he receives for other shortcomings, Drury made sure to lock up Lafreniere on a fair contract that should bode well over the long-term.

Lafreniere’s contract is similar to the one Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis signed prior to the season. Jarvis is signed for eight years at a $7.42 million cap hit. A bit more established due to posting a career high 33 goals, 34 assists, and 67 points last season, the 2020 number 13 pick can play both center and the right side. Unlike Lafreniere, he receives first power-play time. That’s the biggest difference.

At some point this season, Lafreniere is going to force his way onto the Rangers’ top unit. Especially if Mika Zibanejad continues to struggle. Lafreniere can add another dimension to the power play. He’s another left-handed shot who can work in the right circle. It’ll be interesting to see what he can add when Laviolette makes the move.

Jones Back in For Mancini

When the Rangers play host to the Ducks later tonight at Madison Square Garden, Zac Jones will return to the lineup. After missing the last three games, he’ll be back in for rookie Victor Mancini.

Jones enters with an assist and +4 rating in four games played while averaging 15:45 of ice time. He will pair up with Braden Schneider. A player he’s familiar with. Schneider had been working with Jacob Trouba on the second pair. They’d worked well together over the Rangers’ first seven games.

Instead, Trouba will be teamed with Ryan Lindgren. K’Andre Miller will stay with Adam Fox. It’s definitely questionable to have Lindgren and Trouba together. While both are their most physical defensemen, they aren’t the most mobile. Facing a younger opponent, that may not be a good idea.

Miller and Fox don’t exactly look like the ideal fit, either. If Laviolette’s smart, he’ll reunite Lindgren with Fox. It’s anyone’s guess what he’ll decide with Miller. He had so many struggles with Trouba last year. With Schneider proving that he’s capable of sliding over to the left side, maybe he should remain with Trouba on the shutdown pair. That would make Miller a third pair defenseman. Whether it’s with Jones or Mancini, who knows.

My guess is that you’ll see the same pairs as last season. Fox with Lindgren. Trouba with Miller. Schneider with Jones, who’s replaced Erik Gustafsson. Mancini should also rotate in.

Quick Gets The Start

It’ll be Jonathan Quick, who gets the start against the Ducks. He made 29 saves in a 3-2 win over the Red Wings back on Oct. 17. Quick is six wins away from 400 for his career.