The New York Rangers have made a pivotal decision by securing 2020 first-overall pick Alexis Lafrenière with a seven-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $7.45 million. This move, initially reported by PuckPedia and confirmed by Vince Mercogliano, cements Lafrenière’s future with the team and reflects the organization’s confidence in the 22-year-old forward, who scored 57 points in 82 games last season, with 51 being even-strength points.
Locking in Lafrenière for this amount is a smart choice for the Rangers, especially since insiders like Frank Seravalli suggested that he could have demanded over $8 million annually. The deal allows New York to maintain about $25 million in cap space, essential for re-signing key players such as Igor Shesterkin and K’Andre Miller, as well as filling an additional seven to eight roster spots. However, after these contracts are secured, the Rangers will have limited cap space left, making Lafrenière’s contract a crucial asset for future roster flexibility as they aim to build a long-term contender.
After scoring 21, 31, and 39 points in his first three seasons, Lafrenière significantly improved last year by playing alongside Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck, achieving a career-high 57 points, including 51 at even strength. His strong performance has continued into the new season, where he has already notched seven points in seven games—all even-strength. Lafrenière appears to be emerging as a star in the NHL, and his new contract extension seems like an incredible bargain.
As the salary cap increases, this deal—which is already below market value—will become even more advantageous, taking up a smaller portion of the cap each season and offering New York flexibility to build around him and their core talent. The Rangers have 10 players with expiring contracts this season, including vital contributors like Shesterkin and Miller. They also have several unrestricted free agents—Reilly Smith, Ryan Lindgren, Jonathan Quick, and Jimmy Vesey—and restricted free agents—Kaapo Kakko, Adam Edstrom, Will Cuylle, and Zac Jones—up for renewal. By agreeing to a $7.45 million annual salary, Lafrenière provides the Rangers a significant advantage in managing these future signings. The extra cap space allows the team to retain important players or pursue affordable free agents as they did with Jimmy Vesey or Sam Carrick, thereby thoughtfully constructing a competitive roster around their budding young talent.
Looking ahead to the 2025 offseason, the Rangers face significant challenges regarding future contracts for Miller and Shesterkin. Shesterkin, having declined an eight-year extension with an $11 million AAV, is likely to seek a lucrative deal, while Miller is also projected to require a considerable investment, potentially in the $5.5 to $6.5 million range. If both players secure high-value contracts, the Rangers may only have around $6.5 million to address roster depth, potentially leading to tough decisions about players like Kakko, whose contract expires this season, and Cuylle, who has been performing well and could demand a higher salary than expected.
To keep their young talent, the Rangers might need to offload a significant contract, likely that of Jacob Trouba, to maintain flexibility in a tightening salary-cap landscape. Although moving Trouba’s contract would be a logical step, the Rangers may hesitate to let go of their captain, who has improved significantly compared to last season, making his role even more crucial on the team.
Overall, Lafrenière’s new contract is a wise, team-friendly agreement that consolidates his position in the Rangers’ future and enhances their cap flexibility. With upcoming contracts for Shesterkin, Miller, and others, New York must carefully balance its cap space to preserve its young core. While the future poses challenges, securing Lafrenière at this beneficial price strengthens the Rangers’ foundation and positions them for continued competitiveness as they aim for long-term success.
