The New York Rangers are linked to trading former first-overall pick Alexis Lafreniere to the Buffalo Sabres.
Lafreniere’s name has come up in trade talks as he hasn’t lived up to the hype of being a first overall pick. With that, NHL analyst Michael Augello of The Hockey News linked the Rangers’ trading Lafreniere to the Sabres in a package involving a star defenseman.
“Lafreniere has a number of traits that the Sabres undoubtedly are looking for,” Augello wrote. “His contract does not have any no-trade protection for the next two seasons, which has been a roadblock for Adams in the past in trades. And he is signed for the next seven seasons at a $7.45 million AAV. Which, with the increasing cap, is not a crippling number.
“It is likely that the Rangers are looking for help on the blueline, with the recent departures of Trouba, Lindgren, and Miller. Even though they brought in former Sabre Will Borgen and signed veteran Vladislav Gavrikov,” Augello added. “Owen Power’s name might be floated. But it is hard to imagine that the Sabres would make that swap one-for-one. And, perhaps would try to steer the Rangers towards a deal involving Bowen Byram instead.”
A Lafreniere-Power swap has been rumored before, but a package involving Byram does make more sense. The Rangers would likely get another forward or some draft picks in a deal involving Byram, as both players could use a change of scenery.
Lafreniere is entering the first year of his seven-year, $52.15 million deal. He recorded 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points in 82 games, as it was a disappointing year for the former top pick.
Rangers Open to Trading Lafreniere
New York selected Lafreniere first overall in 2020 as he was supposed to be a key member of their roster.
However, Lafreniere hasn’t lived up to the hype. His name came up in trade rumors last year and this summer. Rangers insider Arthur Staple of The Athletic said Lafreniere isn’t an untouchable in trade talks.
“Shesterkin, Fox, and Panarin may be only #NYR untouchables in trade talk,” Staple wrote on X.
However, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman claimed he heard pushback when asked if Lafreniere is indeed available.
“That contract, if he even comes close to the level where he’s capable of performing at, that’s going to be a really good contract… If Lafreniere is available it’s not widely known… Lafreniere, I’ll tell you, I get pushback on it,” Friedman said on 32 Thoughts.
Lafreniere has skated in 380 career games, recording 92 goals and 101 assists for 193 points.
Rangers Need Lafreniere to Step Up
Lafreniere has been a good NHL player, but he hasn’t been an elite difference maker as expected as the top pick.
Entering the 2025-26 NHL season, an NHL scout told Forever Blueshirts that this is a make-or-break season for Lafreniere.
“He’s no longer a kid with potential at this point,” an NHL scout said. “You either become a leader and a star, or just another guy on the roster. He’s not going to get by on just talent. Sullivan’s going to make him accountable. You either buy in, or you’re in the doghouse.”
As the scout says, with a new coach at the helm, this is a chance for Lafreniere to start fresh and prove he can be an elite player.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Rangers Linked to Trading Lafreniere to East Team for Star Defenseman appeared first on Heavy Sports.