Alexis Lafreniere Seizes Newfound Rangers Moment

The first-overall pick in 2020 looks to build on his expanded role with the team.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Alexis Lafreniere, the first-overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has struggled to find consistency in his six seasons with the New York Rangers. However, with injuries to key players, Lafreniere now has an expanded role on the team's top power-play unit, and he was seen putting in extra work before the team's morning skate, a sight that hasn't been common for the young forward. Lafreniere is looking to seize this newfound opportunity and prove he can be a reliable contributor for the Rangers.

Why it matters

Lafreniere was the first-overall pick in 2020, carrying high expectations. His inability to establish himself as a consistent contributor has led to questions about his work ethic. This expanded role presents Lafreniere with a chance to prove he can be a difference-maker for the Rangers and silence the doubters.

The details

With injuries to key Rangers players, Lafreniere has been elevated to the team's top power-play unit. Before the team's morning skate, he was seen practicing his net-front tips, a sign of the extra work he is putting in to make the most of this opportunity. Lafreniere signed a seven-year, $52.15 million extension with the Rangers in October 2024, increasing the pressure to live up to his draft pedigree.

  • Lafreniere was drafted first overall by the Rangers in 2020.
  • Lafreniere signed a seven-year, $52.15 million extension with the Rangers in October 2024.
  • Lafreniere was seen putting in extra work before the Rangers' morning skate on March 9, 2026.

The players

Alexis Lafreniere

The first-overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Lafreniere has struggled to find consistency in his six seasons with the New York Rangers. He recently signed a seven-year, $52.15 million extension with the team.

Ty Hennes

An assistant coach for the New York Rangers who was seen working with Lafreniere on his net-front tips before the team's morning skate.

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What they’re saying

“Lafreniere putting in the extra work before morning skate isn't exactly a sight that's been synonymous with his six seasons in New York.”

— Mollie Walker, Reporter (nypost.com)

What’s next

With the Rangers dealing with injuries, Lafreniere will look to capitalize on his expanded role and prove he can be a reliable contributor for the team. The team's performance and Lafreniere's development will be closely watched as the season progresses.

The takeaway

Alexis Lafreniere has a chance to seize a newfound opportunity with the Rangers and silence the doubts about his work ethic. If he can capitalize on this expanded role and become a consistent contributor, it could be a turning point in his career and help him live up to the high expectations that come with being a first-overall draft pick.