Igor Shesterkin isn't the only New York Rangers player set for a big payday.
The Rangers and forward Alexis Lafreniere have had discussions about an eight-year extension carrying an average annual value in the range of $8 million, sources told Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, who added that talks are ongoing.
Seravalli added that there are different extension options on the table for Lafreniere, but the 2020 first overall pick will likely receive an AAV of at least $7 million, depending on the contract length.
Lafreniere is currently playing out the final season of a contract with a $2.325-million cap hit. He'll be a restricted free agent at season's end and can become unrestricted in 2027.
Lafreniere, who turns 23 on Friday, is coming off a breakout year in which he tallied 28 goals and 29 assists in 82 games. He followed that up with an impressive 14 points in 16 postseason contests.
The Quebec native started the 2024-25 campaign strong, picking up a goal and an assist in New York's season-opening 6-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. He's playing right wing on the team's top line alongside Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck.
The Rangers have several key free agents this offseason. In addition to Lafreniere, Kaapo Kakko and K'Andre Miller are RFAs. Reilly Smith, Ryan Lindgren, and Shesterkin are pending UFAs. The latter reportedly turned down a record eight-year, $88-million extension.
Rangers captain Jacob Trouba admitted prior to the season that this will probably be the core's "last crack" at winning the Stanley Cup together.
