The Rangers Scratching Alexis Lafreniere Raised Questions About His Future

The New York Rangers scratched forward Alexis Lafreniere last week. If the team looks for big names in the trade market, what could happen with Lafreniere?

Drafted first overall by the New York Rangers in 2020, Alexis Lafreniere was projected as a future superstar but has been slow to reach his potential. When the 21-year-old left winger was made a healthy scratch last week against the Tampa Bay Lightning, it raised questions about his future in the Big Apple.

Some observers wondered if the Rangers were properly using their promising youngsters. Others questioned coach Gerard Gallant's usage of Lafreniere among the bottom six forwards. A handful suggested he could become a trade candidate.

The Athletic's Arthur Staple believed the relationship between Lafreniere and the Rangers could be reaching a critical stage. An NHL scout told him the young winger doesn't seem to accomplish much with or without the puck.

Staple said the Rangers still believe Lafreniere can reach the potential he displayed during his junior career. However, he also felt they could face the choice of whether or not to keep him if the situation doesn't improve.

TVA Sports' Yvon Pedneault also noted the Rangers' decision to sit Lafreniere. He believes they'll pursue Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane before the March 3 trade deadline and wondered if the young winger could be used as trade bait.

Lafreniere's struggles aren't solely of his own making. A natural left winger, he's unable to supplant Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin from the Rangers' top two lines at that position. Gallant has tried using him at right wing, but it hasn't worked out.

The Rangers will likely remain patient with Lafreniere. However, he could surface more frequently in the rumor mill if the Blueshirts remain linked to big-name stars like Kane as the trade deadline approaches.