Rangers' Lafreniere Reflects on Tough Season

No. 1 draft pick opens up about team's struggles and roster changes

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Alexis Lafrenière, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, has not taken the expected step forward in his sixth NHL season with the New York Rangers. The team currently has the worst record in the Eastern Conference, leading to the recent trade of leading scorer Artemi Panarin. Lafrenière acknowledged the difficulty of the season and the roster changes, but expressed hope that the team can finish the season strong in the final 25 games.

Why it matters

Lafrenière was expected to be a cornerstone of the Rangers' rebuild, so his lack of progress this season is a significant setback for the team. The Rangers' struggles and roster moves also highlight the challenges faced by a team trying to compete at the highest level in the NHL.

The details

Lafrenière, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, said he never expected the Rangers' season to go this poorly. The team currently has the worst record in the Eastern Conference, leading to the recent trade of leading scorer Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. Lafrenière acknowledged that the roster changes have been "tough" for the team, but expressed hope that they can finish the season strong in the final 25 games.

  • The Rangers will come out of the Olympic break next week with the worst record in the Eastern Conference.
  • On February 4th, the Rangers traded leading scorer Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings.

The players

Alexis Lafreniere

A former No. 1 overall draft pick who has not taken the expected step forward in his sixth NHL season with the New York Rangers.

Chris Drury

The team president of the New York Rangers who made the trade to send Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings.

Artemi Panarin

The leading scorer for the New York Rangers who was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on February 4th.

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What they’re saying

“Every season you go into it trying to win and perform, and it wasn't [the case].. It's been tough for us this year.”

— Alexis Lafreniere (The Post)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.