The New York Rangers have been rather disappointed in the lack of development from former 2020 first-overall draft pick Alexis Lafreniere. Unlike many star players who have also been selected first, Lafreniere did not make an immediate impact on the team and has still yet to find solid footing in the NHL at the end of his entry-level contract.
Heading into the 2023-2024 NHL season, the Rangers are hoping this will finally be the year Lafreniere starts to mold into the star they expected him to become. However, based on the direction of his career so far, the Blueshirts must also brace for the possibility that Lafreniere continues to stagnate.