Nhl hockey today – The 2024-25 NHL Season is almost through its first month and between the big games , goals and storylines its had plenty to offer. Of course, when it comes to the new york rangers igor shesterkin for his elite play and contract tend to be a major focus, as well as artemi panarin being in peak superstar form. But ahead of the new york rangers vs montreal canadiens game being a hometown showcase for this player, I feel now is the perfect time to reflect on the alexis lafreniere bust 4th line trade rumors era, his breakout season and epic 2024 playoffs , his 4 nations faceoff team canada consideration and more. For all things nhl including recaps reactions breakdowns of nhl highlights today , coverage of nhl news 2024 , rankings and longform all 32 nhl teams videos, more nyr if you want plus more, please consider subscribing.
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@New York Rangers
45 Comments
It's only 5 games, but, it's looking good. Still needs a bit more time from me, but he's developing nicely. No more trade rumors and 4th lines.
yah i really noticed him during the play offs this year ~ im always stoked for the draft top picks hoping they do well ~ some just take tyme ~ exciting regardless ~ eg shane wright winning gold at the wjc with canaduh ~
I was kind of hoping he'd fall off a bit this season so that Zito could snipe him, then we could all watch his production explode in Florida.
The NHL is pretty much the only sport where as the 1st overall pick you’re expected to be good right away, which is totally fair considering how many guys we have seen be awesome right away.
I have him and Trotchek in my fantasy (wasn’t too excited about the second one) . I haven’t been disapointed yet. I’m happy to see a quebecer have success in the nhl!
as an opposing fan hes dangerous, this guy needs that development
Really like how he grew into the team finding his place! Doesn't matter if he can't put up huge numbers, just be there for the team and make clutch plays things will go your way
This is all at even strength too, I’m a Ranger fan from New York in Montréal for the game tonight pumped to see him play in his hometown
laf likes to party, thats probably what he's reigned in.
rangers fan here. yes he's a star. he is quiet and does the little things to perfection. it's not as flashy as 30 goals or 75 points but it wins games. Plus he's got an excellent shot
Consistency, we’ll see this year
I saw him play Florida and tbh the only reason the Rangers made it to 6 games was Laff and Shesterkin. Did that kid ever shine beating Brobrobvsky on a few breakaways and huge goals they were . Yeah is say he is sitting just below star status but we will see if that changes because he is almost touching star status he can feel it. Put 35-40 in and 85 points and he's in the house of stars with his feet up
LaFreniere is an exceptional player. Which, when combined with all the other talent on the Rangers team, makes me wonder how in the hell they haven't won the cup. Many records broken, last year alone.
not a star yet, not even close. maybe we can save the star talk to see if this truly is a breakout season tbh.
His slow start was the product of bad coaching. Quinn and Gallant were so insistent on him playing the left side, and he was never going to pass Kreider and Panarin on the depth chart w/o injury. Laviolette gave him a top-six opportunity on the right side, and he took it and ran with it.
And yeah, it does also help that he got to play with Panarin, but coincidentally, Panarin had his best career year playing with Lafreniere. Now I'm just imagining what he could do w/ consistent PP1 time
He's good and have shown to have a really high peak and if he plays good this season he should be considered a star player. But i highly doubt you see him "running this team" unless panarin falls off a cliff, he's a top 5 offensive player in the entire league, while laf still is trying to prove himself as a top line player. And sure once the "old guard" of panarin, zibanejad, kreider and trocheck retires he should be their guy, but i doubt the rangers will be as good then unless they do a retooling within the next 5 years.
Hockey player prime is 26 to 31.
I'm truly happy things are working out here for him. Sometimes progress takes time. I'm rooting for Kappo to break through too.
nah, Laffy, Troch, and Bread is the line which carries the Rangers. The chemistry and play style of each player being different, allows them to be so productive. Serious questions should be asked about the roles of some other Rangers on this team like 2nd overall 2019 pick Kaapo Kakko, the massive Mika Zibanejad contract, Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren. I think it is also time we highlight Schneider, Filip Chytil, Zac Jones and KeAndre Miller more, who are starting to take bigger roles in the organization. We also still have Perrault in the vault
In the future the Rangers will be built on him, Shesterkin, and Fox
I love Alexis lafreniere
Product of Panarin lets argue
Now he's 7th best from his draft year kudos to him 👏
He’s got a very well rounded game he’s trust worthy at both ends of the ice seems like he scores the big moment goals he’s the type player you need in playoffs
Lafreniere is a great player, and if the PP1 was not so lethal as it is he'd already be on it I reckon. Great video though, agree with what's been said, though you absolutely have to include Adam Fox as that other core piece the Rangers will build around in addition to Igor and Lafreniere once the top forwards start aging out.
Rangers = One cup on the last 84 years. Nobody watches hockey anymore
rangers aren't giving him pp1 time and honestly idk where he'd slot in there so i doubt he's going to be any higher than a ppg without any time on that top unit
10/10
YES WE CAN CALL HIM A STAR NOW!
I like lafy taffy, he’s a good top 6 guy not a star
Sign in montreal. Not even a habs fan but my god I love when that fan base is living it up and going bananas
Time will tell. 50+ points is a good start. Even if he doesn't score 70-80 points this season, slowly he is getting there i think. Probably never live up the hype but, not many do.
Always had hope for him as a ranger fan
No idea if he’s a star but I hope he becomes one.
watching him play is a treat, the kids awesome.. i see what he does in specific situations and remember how poorly he handled those same situations in the first couple years, kid's growing and confidence is building
He just got that new deal
Rangers are built in a way where there top guys carry the load on offense so putting him on 3rd or 4th line was always going to be a issue but now given a shot with top line caliber players hes shown he is capable of at least carrying his own weight which is nice to see
Maybe not a "star" yet, but theres no denyinh his talent and he only gets better and better, very little if any regression. The Rangers should be happy to have him, most other franchises would be
28 5 on 5 goals is star territory. 40 is super star. I would love to see Mika center the 1st line with Panarin and Laf.
Cope
That's the Quebecer buff for you
I am a Lone Ranger fan in an entire family of devils fans and boy oh boy did I get relentlessly mocked about laff being a bust vs the star that is jack Hughes for the last 5-6 years. Had to defend and say be patient watch he will turn into something and boy he has arrived without power play mins he scored more goals than Hughes last season. My devils family quick to point out that oh Hughes was injured but for me isn’t that part of it the ability to stay healthy. Also laff is a presence on the ice the hit that lead directly to a goal in the Washington series comes to mind. This contract will prove to be amazing value going down the road with the salary cap increase even if he never hits the 90+ pt a season heights. He should cross 30 goals this year you can never argue with that in the nhl especially without PP1 time. Pumped and buzzing for his future
I bet he’s 25-35 games away from truly arriving – very close.
Been holding his rookie card since it dropped as a penguins fan. Got faith in him.
😂😂😂