NYR RFA Lafreniere signs 2x$2.32

[Invictus]

Fair contract but one that can be out performed

[Axeman33]

Play better in the time he receives. Dominate soft 3rd line matchups. Force the Rangers to mix up their lines. His trajectory is looking like more of a complimentary 50-60 pt top 6 winger than a #1OA all-star player. I follow the Rangers closer than many other teams and there is not some demand that he get top 6 minutes. There's quite a bit of questioning of Lafreniere's conditioning and overall desire. This contract is the epitome of a "prove it" contract.

I hear what you are saying, I do, but it's like that old adage that goes, give me more and I'll show you more. That's probably what Lafreniere is trying to say. Not the other way of show me more and I'll give you more. He's not a late round pick trying to fight his way up the lineup. He's a former 1st overall who probably shouldn't have to fight this hard to get the opportunity. Very few former 1st OA have to fight this hard to get those opportunities.

I've said since draft day that Lafreniere was the wrong pick for the Rangers because of their lineup setup. Kreider had just re-signed his big deal and they had Panarin. They would have been better off drafting Byfield, especially when you look at his development path that LA has taken with him versus what NY has done with Lafreniere but we can't turn back time.

[2014olympicgold]

Have the Rangers tried him on the right side at all? Blake Wheeler as their RW2 might not be the best plan.

[LuigiC173]

they'll need to become a somewhat less east-west offense and more north-south to help him out. There is no clear cut answer, I've rooted for this team for decades, the literal best forward they've ever drafted and developed in my life is Chris Kreider. Love me some Kreids but he is no superstar. Manhattan is the Toronto of America, there's many factors outside the game to hinder a player as far as city life compared to someone playing in likes of Ohio. Not to make excuses, I have faith in him and Kakko. End of day they're 21/22 years old respectively and have never been demoted, score more points every season, and both played full seasons last campaign.

As I said earlier in this thread, Laffy's best shot at success is Laviolette relegating Kreider to the third line and making him more of a powerplay specialist which is his bread and butter.