What is the fallout of Lafreniere to the RANGERS?

[Puckhead]

With Panarin and Kreider already under extended contracts, what does adding Lafreniere do that left side? NYR have decent depth on the wings, great depth on D, and with Shestyorkin and Georgiev in net, they are all set there as well. The most glaring need is C depth. Is Kreider the odd man out? Do they couple him with a D and get their C that way?

[Skippy]

They can package a goalie too.

A goalie, their second 1st rounder and one of their young D gets them a pretty sweet 2C.

[Puckhead]

So what do you think happens to Kreider?

[chuckcouples]

Nothing changes for any of them. Lafreniere is not going to be replacing Panarin or Kreider on a scoring line anytime soon. There's a chance that by the end of next season or the year after, that one of these 3 switch to the right side but most wingers can play either wing.

[Eskimo Brother]

Nothing changes for any of them. Lafreniere is not going to be replacing Panarin or Kreider on a scoring line anytime soon. There's a chance that by the end of next season or the year after, that one of these 3 switch to the right side but most wingers can play either wing.

I agree with this. It could mean that Kakko has to work harder and doesn't get as many chances in the top 6 next year, and that Fast isn't re-signed, but no large impact on the bigger names.

[Axeman33]

The real answer is.... Who the hell knows LOL!

[Lumpy Grits]

Kreider has a no movement clause for 3 or 4 more years. If some other good 2c trade opportunity presents itself and makes sense, so be it, but there's no need to rush it this year before the rangers are actually ready to contend. If panarin/ziba stay in their prime while the youngsters become productive on entry-level contracts, it creates a prime situation for free-agent spending, trades, and cup contention, maybe as soon as the 21-22 season. They're gm is in a good spot right now.

As for the winger depth and lafreniere, he may have to earn his top 6 spot, which he very well may do.

[senryu]

Nothing changes for any of them. Lafreniere is not going to be replacing Panarin or Kreider on a scoring line anytime soon. There's a chance that by the end of next season or the year after, that one of these 3 switch to the right side but most wingers can play either wing.

Agree with this. My prediction is that Lafreniere will start on the 3rd line and pair with Chytil so as to ease him into the lineup and develop some chemistry. Later in the year, NYR will make a change to get one of the three LW over to the right side.

[audiopile]

Make him into C. Yeah ill get roasted for this. He likes to have the puck and if he is as good as they say then...

[LuigiC173]

Panarin and Laf will be together right from the start, the Rangers had Jesper Fast in the top six for god's sake last year. Although I love Fast, he is far from top six caliber. Panarin shifts to RW so the young Alexis does not have to encounter drastic change right off the bat. Top line is cemented IMO with Kreids-Zib-Buch/Kakko. I want Kakko to take this spot from Pavel so they can trade for center help.

[tcat]

Probably a similar situation to what Svech had to endure in his rookie year. 3rd line most of the year with sprinkled opportunities in the top 6 and if he plays well enough then he gets bumped up the following year.

[Puckhead]

I really do like the idea of him starting on the 3rd line. Whats the rush? The Rangers are putting some very nice pieces in place, and they have the luxury of putting these guys in a position to succeed. If he gets 3rd line minutes, and probably PP2 time as well, at least to start, that will allow some time to get comfortable. I hope he's as good as advertised, but I don't see the harm in allowing him to get his bearings. No one is suggesting he needs time in the AHL, but some sheltered minutes would go a long way early on.

[stevegamer]

The real answer is.... Who the hell knows LOL!

The Rangers don't even know, but since they aren't in the playoffs any longer, they can plan.

I'm pretty sure a winger somewhere in the depth chart will get traded, but which one is uncertain, although it's almsot certainly not Panarin, barring a crazy hockey challenge trade of center for winger.

They seem to have a wing, a goalie, and a defenseman available to trade fairly freely, that leaves a center coming in return.

[Magicstew]

The fallout is now the Rangers have lots of options they can look at.