The New York Rangers are continuing to evaluate their roster as the offseason rolls on and general manager Chris Drury is assessing what a realistic trade would be for forward Alexis Lafreniere.![New York Rangers general manager Chris Dury #nhl #rangers]()
The 23-year-old has had a down season compared to his breakout year last year and the Rangers are looking to go a different direction in their overall play which could lead to Lafrenière's exit out of the Big Apple.
Several teams interested in the former 1st overall pick
The Rangers chose to sign Lafrenière to a new contract which will hold a value of $7.45 million per season Thinking that his game would improve and continue to grow.
It seems the team maybe backing away from this notion and may look out to the trade market to acquire assets and get out from under his contract.
Anaheim Ducks
Several teams would be likely to contact Drury for Lafrenière services including the Anaheim Ducks who are in up-and-coming team with several stars and who could need another top nine forward.
Sending LaFreniere to the Ducks would likely mean Trevor Zegras coming back to the Rangers as he has been rumored to come to New York for the past couple of years. The Rangers would need to take into considerations Zegras' injuries it would likely ask a little more in return.
Buffalo Sabres
Another team who would benefit from a Lafrenière deal would be the Buffalo Sabres who have not made the playoffs in 14 years.
The Rangers would be likely interested in JJ Peterka in return after having a 27-goal year and would be a great asset to add to Rangers top six forwards.
Moving LaFreniere to Buffalo would help alleviate cap space and give the team another option to go out and pick up a highly touted unrestricted free agent who would help with primary scoring and their power play.
Minnesota Wild
Finally, the Minnesota Wild would also be another team that could use Lafreniere's talents as the team has recently acquired new cap space with Ryan Suter and Zach Parise's contracts coming off the books.
The Rangers would likely ask for Marco Rossi in return as the former ninth overall choice Would give the Rangers offence a new look.
Last season, Rossi had a breakout year with 24 goals in 60 points and played all 82 games and it would remain to be seen if wild general manager Bill Guerin would be willing to part with Rossi.
Many questions loom around the Rangers this offseason and there will likely be input coming from new head coach Mike Sullivan on whether they would like to move off Lafrenière or find him a new line that could reignite his numbers.
Time will tell as the NHL draft approaches on June 27th and July free agency begins on July 1st.
