The New York Rangers are working on an eight-year extension with winger Alexis Lafreniere. NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported on Thursday night that talks are ongoing between the two sides.
Lafreniere is entering the final year of his two-year $4.65 million deal but he is due for a hefty raise. According to Seravalli, Lafreniere and the Rangers are closing in on a deal worth $8 million per season or $64 million total.
“The New York Rangers have also been doing a lot of work on Alexis Lafreniere and that file,” Seravalli said on Sports on Prime Canada via EmpireSports Media. "I’m told that they made some pretty significant progress over the summer. Talks are ongoing."
"They needed to be kind of shelved for a second as the Rangers were trying to get Shesterkin done before the season started, but this is a big moment for New York with Lafreniere as they try and put the future cap picture together for this team."
Seravalli also said the Rangers believe Lafreniere is ready to take the next step which is why they are ready to reward him with a massive extension.
"Lafreniere being 22 years old — really still just kind of scratching the surface for this team — after a big step forward last year and a monster playoff run for New York, they’re going to need to take care of this guy and this is going to be one of the biggest deals that Lafreniere gets the opportunity to sign.”
In his NHL career, Lafreniere has skated in 299 games and has recorded 76 goals and 74 assists for 150 points. Last season, he had a breakout year with 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points.
Rangers GM said signing Alexis Lafreniere is a focal point
New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury said the team is focused on resigning Alexis Lafreniere. He also hopes to keep Lafreniere in New York for a long time as they envision him as a big part of their future.
“In our eyes, he continues to get better and better,” Drury said. “I’m not going to get into negotiations, but he certainly is an exciting young piece for us and one that we hope, just like Igor, is here for a long time.”
Lafreniere was selected first overall in the 2020 NHL draft.