Rangers left wing Alexis Lafrenière celebrates his goal against Edmonton during the first period at Madison Square Garden Jan. 3, 2022. Credit: Brad Penner
It has not yet been a full calendar year since Alexis Lafrenière made his NHL debut. That anniversary is coming up on Jan. 14.
So even as a No. 1 overall draft pick, the Rangers’ winger needs more time to develop before the team and its fans know precisely what they have in him.
But current circumstances are offering a promising glimpse.
With Artemi Panarin out the past two games under COVID-19 protocols, Lafrenière has played with Ryan Strome and Barclay Goodrow, two seasoned 28-year-olds, and certainly looks like he belongs as a top-six forward.