In case you missed it, the NY Rangers will not be releasing Alexis Lafreniere (Canada) and Kaapo Kakko (Finland) for the 2021 World Juniors this year. It’s the only bit of hockey news we have this month, but it was an expected piece of news. As per usual, I have some thoughts.
1. This isn’t a surprise. While getting in live game experience is good, both Kakko and Lafreniere have little to gain. Both have steamrolled competition in their last appearances in the World Juniors. They’d be doing more of the same, except a year older.