After massive expectations were placed on Alexis Lafrenière heading into his rookie season as the NHL’s incumbent No. 1 overall draft pick, things were dialed back a bit for a year two which saw the team make significant changes off the ice.
A new front office, led by Chris Drury, started to take shape, and a new coach behind the bench in Gerard Gallant brought an environment of “let’s see what you can do” for all players on the roster. That said, there was an expectation that Lafrenière would improve, and play in the manner which made him the clear and away choice to be selected first overall during his draft year.