On January 12, 2026, in New York, the Rangers’ Alexis Lafreniere collided with Seattle’s goaltender Philipp Grubauer and defenseman Cale Fleury during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Alexis Lafreniere has not met the expectations as the top pick of the 2020 NHL Draft. He wasn’t in an optimal environment for developing young talent, similar to former No. 2 pick Kaapo Kakko, who returned to MSG with the Seattle Kraken. Head coach Mike Sullivan moved Lafreniere to the third line during New York’s 4-2 defeat to Seattle, replacing him with Gabe Perreault to alter the lineup after a 10-2 loss to the Boston Bruins. Sullivan explained that lineup changes aim to improve performance, and they expect more from players like Lafreniere. At 24, Lafreniere’s career has been inconsistent. He recorded three assists in the Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers and scored in the next game against the Utah Mammoth. However, he has been scoreless in the last four games, with a minus-7 rating and only three shots on goal. This season, he has nine goals and 15 assists in 47 games, not meeting the expected production for his sixth NHL season. The Rangers are close to selling before the March 6 trade deadline. With the loss to the Kraken, they are just one point away from last in the Metropolitan Division, having played two more games than the Columbus Blue Jackets. They have lost their last four games and are 2-6-2 in their last 10. General manager Chris Drury, whose job safety was questioned by fans at Madison Square Garden, might receive offers for key players like Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. Teams may also consider the potential of Lafreniere, hoping a new environment could improve his performance. For more on Alexis Lafreniere and the Rangers, visit AMNY.com.
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