### Rangers Near Completion of Seven-Year Deal with Alexis Lafrenière

The New York Rangers and right winger Alexis Lafrenière are finalizing a significant seven-year contract which will reportedly have an average annual value of $7.45 million, according to a league source. This long-term deal provides the 2020 No. 1 draft pick with solid security while also giving the Rangers a clearer picture of their future salary cap situation.

Lafrenière experienced an uneven start to his NHL career, but he had a breakout season in 2023-24, achieving a career-high with 28 goals and 57 points. Continuing that momentum, he has already tallied four goals and three assists in the first seven games of the current season. Remarkably, most of his contributions have come at even strength. Coach Peter Laviolette noted, "I think his confidence has really grown to the point where last year in the playoffs he was really impactful. He started off the same way this year."

While Lafrenière's opportunities on the power play have been limited due to the Rangers having one of the league's top first units, he still plays a role on the second power-play unit, which, however, sees less ice time.

Initially set to enter restricted free agency with arbitration rights this offseason, Lafrenière now has a long-term home with the Rangers. With his new contract, the team has approximately $66.512 million committed to contracts for next season, with the salary cap projected to rise to $92 million. Although this suggests substantial cap space, a significant portion will likely be allocated to striking deals with key players such as superstar goalie Igor Shesterkin and other pending restricted free agents like K'Andre Miller, Zac Jones, Kaapo Kakko, Adam Edström, Will Cuylle, and Matt Rempe. Additionally, unrestricted free agents Reilly Smith and Ryan Lindgren are on the horizon.

Once Lafrenière's contract is finalized, the Rangers will have eight forwards, four defensemen, and no goalies under contract for the upcoming season. This roster gap means the team needs to fill at least eight more positions to reach the minimum 20 skaters, with the preference of carrying 22 healthy skaters further intensifying the challenge. The team will need to navigate this with approximately $25.48 million in cap space, all while negotiating potential hefty contracts for Shesterkin and Miller. Trading other players like captain Jacob Trouba might also be a consideration to free up cap space, though such moves invariably leave new holes in the roster.

General Manager Chris Drury and the New York front office see Lafrenière's ascending performance as a critical asset moving forward. Betting on his continued growth, his current form suggests that the investment is a wise one for the franchise.