Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5cdb0728-bdf5-4b57-b807-0810523c2ffd.webp] Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images It’s been a strange season for Alexis Lafrenière thus far. The 23-year-old forward started off hot and signed a seven-year, $52.15 million contract extension with the Rangers in October. All seemed right for Lafrenière who was coming off of a breakout year and seemed to be picking up right where he left off to begin the 2024-25 campaign. However, Lafrenière’s production slowed down from the beginning stages of the season and has become the almost punching bag of sorts for this Rangers team. The 2020 first-overall pick has been through some struggles over these past few months from an offensive standpoint. In an attempt to shake things up, Peter Laviolette placed Lafrenière on a line with Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller. Since that change was made, Lafrenière has looked like a different player. Playing alongside Zibanejad and Miller over two games, Lafrenière seems to be more involved and it’s given him a spark. Lafrenière scored for the first time in 14 games on Saturday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night, which clearly rejuvenated his confidence. Laviolette is happy with what he’s seen out of Lafrenière as of late. “He’s played really well the past couple of games,” Laviolette said of Lafrenière. “It’s been a good change. It’s a little more north, south, a little bit more direct. He’s been really good. He’s noticeable on the forecheck. He’s noticeable on the battles and on the puck. The last few games he’s played really well. In 67 games, Lafrenière has recorded 15 goals, 23 assists and 38 points while averaging 17:24 minutes.
