Rumor: Alexis Lafreniere extension close, could be 8 years, $8 million
Per Frank Seravalli, the New York Rangers and Alexis Lafreniere are closing in on a contract extension in the 8 year, $8 million range. It sounds like this is pretty close to a done deal, and might get announced pretty soon. A Lafreniere extension may have been announced over the summer, but naturally the attention shifted to Igor Shesterkin and the start of the season deadline.
The Lafreniere extension, if it’s 8x$8 million, is a big shift in philosophy from prior regimes. Normally the Rangers would give their forwards two bridge deals before inking such an extension. Perhaps it’s because Lafreniere is on a whole other level from most of those forwards, but this shift is a good thing for the Rangers. Locking in top talent at only $8 million through his prime years is a big shift towards getting away from bloated contracts for aging players.
It sounds like this is close to done, and we could see an announcement soon. Since today is Lafreniere’s birthday, perhaps it’s coming sooner than we think.