The Lafrenière Lottery

[PenguinHunter]

We have our first contestant for the Lafrenière lottery - The New York Rangers.

How does he fit into the top 6? Does he crack the top 6 this December? Does he instantly improve this roster enough to make the actual playoffs next year?

Current Top 6


Panarin - Zibanejad - Buchnevich

Kreider - R. Strome - Kakko

Panarin and Kreider are both inked long term.... would either of them be able to play right wing?

[Axeman33]

I am not sure RStrome is there long term, but Lafreniere doesn't change much there seeing as he plays the wing. That being said, I could see them trying to move Buchnevich to make room for him if need be, or move Buchnevich down the lineup.

[Eskimo Brother]

Kakko also didn't really get an easy shot in the top six this season, so if he was to land in NY, then there's no reason he would be gifted with top minutes to start anyways.

[PenguinHunter]

I am not sure RStrome is there long term, but Lafreniere doesn't change much there seeing as he plays the wing. That being said, I could see them trying to move Buchnevich to make room for him if need be, or move Buchnevich down the lineup.

And have Lafreniere play right wing? Or do one of Kreider or Panarin move to right wing?

[PicklePickle]

They go Byfield.

[Eskimo Brother]

They go Byfield.

I would love to see that. Chaos!

[JHouly]

When is the lotery for that 1st overall pick?

[metaldude26]

When is the lotery for that 1st overall pick?

This coming Monday, once all the play-ins have been completed.

[PenguinHunter]

When is the lotery for that 1st overall pick?

Its in between the qualifying round and the first round. So I think that would be Monday August 10?

[Axeman33]

And have Lafreniere play right wing? Or do one of Kreider or Panarin move to right wing?

Panarin isn't going anywhere, even for Lafreniere. So that means that Lafreniere or Kreider could be moved to the other wing. Who knows.

[Pengwin7]

Current Top 6


Panarin - Zibanejad - Buchnevich

Kreider - R. Strome - Kakko

Panarin and Kreider are both inked long term.... would either of them be able to play right wing? [/SIZE][/SIZE]

I think Kreider could switch to RW.
I think NYR will look to sign R.Strome long-term, he was very solid as a C2 (playing up at C1 with Ziba out)... and there isn't much out there at C to sign as a UFA for the Rags.
Kakko will eventually be RW1, I think... but still Buch at RW1 next season... with Kakko maybe moving to RW3 for one season.
Lafreniere, I think, will play LW2 with R.Strome-Kreider.
That would be my guess if NYR wins the lottery.

(As an aside, I'm glad CAR is moving on... because the TOR-CAR first round pick conditions give me headaches to try to remember!!! LOL)

[chuckcouples]

I will assume Lafreniere is going to start on the 3rd line where ever he ends up. There's no point starting a 19 year old in the top 6. Let him feast on bottom six forwards for a bit until he gets his feet wet.

[Magicstew]

I will assume Lafreniere is going to start on the 3rd line where ever he ends up. There's no point starting a 19 year old in the top 6. Let him feast on bottom six forwards for a bit until he gets his feet wet.

This is what I think too, no pressure on him on 3rd line - gives him time to develop and he is going to a team that is established and ready to make playoff runs in the near future.

[PenguinHunter]

I will assume Lafreniere is going to start on the 3rd line where ever he ends up. There's no point starting a 19 year old in the top 6. Let him feast on bottom six forwards for a bit until he gets his feet wet.

How does he fit into the top 6? Does he crack the top 6 this December? Does he instantly improve this roster enough to make the actual playoffs next year?

How long until he cracks the top 6? Does it take a full season? Or is he in the top 6 and Buchnevich out by the half way point? I think he is good enough to replace Buchnevich in the top 6. Especially if Kreider can get comfortable playing on the Right side.

[chuckcouples]

That's tough to say as only time will tell! Or in this case, time will likely never tell since there's only a 12.5% chance Lafreniere ends up playing for the Rangers next season.