The Rangers are retooling, and Alexis Lafreniere is one of their players creating chatter as a trade candidate. Could he make sense for the Sharks?
The San Jose Sharks have been a great surprise this season. After finishing this past season with only 20 wins, they currently have a 25-21-3 record and are fifth in the Pacific Division standings. With this, they are right in the Western Conference playoff race, which many did not expect ahead of the season.
The Rangers, on the other hand, are in an opposite situation. After entering the season with the hope of bouncing back from their tough 2024-25 campaign, things have only gotten worse for them in 2025-26. The Blueshirts have 21-25-6 record and are dead last in the Eastern Conference.
With the Rangers having a nightmare season, GM Chris Drury confirmed to fans through a letter that the club is starting a retool. Since then, Alexis Lafreniere has been among the Rangers players in the rumor mill. Could he be a fit for the Sharks?
If the Sharks landed Lafreniere, they would be taking a chance on a former first-overall pick who certainly could use a change of scenery. While he has yet to blossom into a legitimate star at the NHL level, he has shown that at times he can produce like a top-six winger. This was especially the case during the 2023-24 season, as he set career highs with 28 goals, 29 assists, and 57 points in 82 games.
Furthermore, it is also fair to wonder if a fresh start on a team on the rise, like the Sharks, could help Lafreniere hit that next level. While Lafreniere is currently in his sixth NHL season, he is also still only 24 years old. Lafreniere could also thrive playing on a line with Sharks superstar center Macklin Celebrini.
Yet, acquiring Lafreniere would also come with some definite risk for the Sharks. His contract is not cheap, and it would be a long-term one for San Jose, as he has a $7.45 million cap hit until the end of the 2031-32 season. Thus, the Sharks would certainly hope that he would break out if they acquired him.
Lafreniere has also had trouble replicating his big 2023-24 season. During this past season with the Rangers, he had 17 goals and 45 points in 82 games. So far this season, he has 10 goals and 28 points in 51 games, which puts him on pace for 16 goals and 45 points over an 82-game schedule.
Nevertheless, do you think the Sharks should take a chance on a young former top prospect like Lafreniere? Share your thoughts in the comments.