Rangers' Alexis Lafrenière Ready for Power-Play Promotion – Hockey Writers – New York Rangers

Last season, Alexis Lafrenière finally delivered the play that the New York Rangers and their fans have been waiting for since he was selected as the first pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. With 57 points in 82 regular season games and 14 extra points in 16 playoff games, Lafrenière has shown the talent and power that has made him one of the most highly regarded prospects in recent years. His journey to this point has been one of perseverance and development, as he navigates the pressures of being a top pick while adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NHL.

In his first few seasons, Lafrenière faced some challenges, struggling at times to find consistency and carve out a specific role in the team. However, last season marked a turning point as he found his stride, especially when paired with the dynamic duo of Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. The line has been one of the Rangers' most reliable offensive threats, with Lafrenière paired with the playmaking skills of Panarin and the two-way presence of Trocheck. The chemistry between the trio was evident, allowing Lafrenière to play with great confidence and creativity.

Lafrenière's Even-Strength Surge: A Sign of Real Growth

The highlight of Lafrenière's season was his production at even strength, where his 51 points were produced. This is an important indicator of his growth and consistency, as it shows his ability to contribute offensively without relying on power play opportunities. His strong performance shows not only his individual development but also his ability to thrive in different situations on the ice, whether it's creating scoring opportunities, driving plays, or taking advantage of teammates' opportunities.

Given his progress, Lafrenière earned a chance to play on the Rangers' first power play unit. He has already shown his worth as the sixth man on the ice when the goalie is pulling, thriving in high-pressure situations. However, this begs the question: Who would be eliminated from the first half of the Rangers' power play? The Rangers' power play has been strong over the past three seasons, finishing third in the league in 2023-24 with a 26.4 percent success rate.

Untouchable Pieces: The Rangers' Power Play Cornerstones

Adam Fox is immune to the power play for good reason—he's a linebacker and one of the best in the league at that point. Chris Kreider, who plays in front of the net, is also among the elite in his role. This leaves Panarin, Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad as potential movers. However, Panarin and Trocheck are part of the unit's success, making it difficult to replace them. The one-time Zibanejad is a dangerous weapon, making him almost unbenchable. In fact, Zibanejad might be the only player who could be replaced by Lafrenière. But even so, disrupting established chemistry may not be worth the risk.

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Another option, although at the risk of disrupting the chemistry, would be to use two units of equal power play. This approach will provide opportunities for players like Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, and Zac Jones to get more ice time in these situations. Various combinations could be considered, such as keeping Zibanejad and Kreider together on one unit while pairing Panarin, Lafrenière, and Trocheck on another. Kakko, Chytil, Fox, and Jones can then be distributed to both units. Regardless of the setup, it's clear that Lafrenière should start seeing more time on the power play.

The Future of Rangers: The Key to Lafrenière's Continued Growth

Ultimately, the Rangers find themselves in an enviable but challenging position. With a wealth of offensive talent and dynamic play that has been among the league's best, integrating Lafrenière into a prominent role requires careful consideration. His time off has proven he's ready for more responsibility, and giving him more time on the power play could be the next step in his development. However, balancing this with the existing chemistry and efficiency of the current power play unit is no small task. Whether the coaching staff chooses to overhaul the starting unit or explore two balanced teams, one thing is certain: Lafrenière's continued growth is critical to the Rangers' future success, and finding the right way to use his strengths will be key in the seasons to come.