Alexis Lafreniere is on the Rangers trade block and the price is going to be steep
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Aaron
May 18, 2026 (4:58)
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Photo credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images
The noise around Alexis Lafreniere and Mike Sullivan's New York Rangers is getting deafening as trade rumors swirl around the former first overall pick.
David Pagnotta confirmed on Monday that management is ready to explore moving him. The patience on Broadway has finally evaporated.
It's a massive shift in philosophy. New York handed the winger a seven-year extension with a $7.45 million cap hit just last season.
That money demands consistent offensive output. Lafreniere produced 24 goals and 57 points this year, but those numbers mask deeper structural issues.
He went minus-7 over 82 games. His transition game stalled exactly when the coaching staff needed him to drive play independently.
Sullivan demands accountability on both sides of the puck. The defensive structure collapsed entirely down the stretch. Unacceptable.
New York Rangers spiralling, and something has to change
The locker room energy is completely flat right now. Shipping out a top draft pick sends a massive shockwave through the rest of the roster.
A change of scenery might be the only option left. His long-term deal makes a trade complicated, but there are teams desperate for top-six upside.
Rebuilding clubs could easily swallow that contract. Montreal and Anaheim constantly hover in these discussions because they've got the draft capital.
But the Rangers cannot afford to get fleeced here. They need immediate help on the blue line to keep their window from slamming shut entirely.
Trading away a 24-year-old winger carries massive long-term risk. If he figures out his consistency issues elsewhere, New York will look foolish.
Expect general manager Chris Drury to test the market heavily leading up to the draft. The status quo is officially dead.
Something has to give in Manhattan. This offseason is about to get messy.
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