Larry Brooks reports that Alexis Lafreniere has signed. The contact is a two-year deal with a $2.325 mil AAV and cap hit. New York could add another player or two to a PTO or try for a minimum dollar signing, but the lineup is basically set.

Lafreniere signed for 2 years at $2.325 AAV, Post has learned.

— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) August 23, 2023

I expected a deal in the $2.1 to $2.3 million range. The $2.325 million figure puts the team pretty much up against the cap with about $700K in space, presuming New York carries a 22-and not 23-man roster to retain some available cap space for in-season moves and for a deadline acquisition. Vince Mercogliano wrote: “ If they maintain that roster (22-man), they'd be in position to accrue over $3 million in available cap space by next year's trade deadline.” Lafreniere will be a restricted free agent without arbitration rights after this deal expires, putting him in a position for a solid payday on his next deal if he takes steps forward over the life of this contract.

After signing Lafrenière to a 2 year / $2.325M AAV contract (per @NYP_Brooksie ), we now show #NYR as being $46,583 above the cap based on a roster of 23

Needless to say our roster is not official and NY can get below the ceiling with just a few changeshttps://t.co/ClHvLFkBE3

— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) August 23, 2023

All the concerns about Laf getting offer sheeted proved to be unfounded. As such, the only question is when a deal would get done. With training camp three weeks ago, Laf is now signed and under contract for two more years.

As Mollie Walker wrote, since his NHL debut three years ago, Lafreniere is ranked third on the Rangers in even-strength goals with 47, behind only Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider. His point total has steadily increased from year to year, but the numbers still aren’t living up to what was expected. But he has not received substantive power play time, impacting his overall production, nor has he lived up to his status as the first overall pick.

I know that sounds back-handed but if you watch his goals he is very good at manipulating timing to get himself open in tight and that's a genuine skill that has made him an efficient scorer even if his shot isn't overwhelmingly strong.

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) August 23, 2023

Lafreniere would have an easier path to success if he was able to move from left to right wing. To date, however, he has not be able to make that transition. Plus with Peter Laviolette taking over as coach, it’s not clear whether he will get that opportunity. If not, Laf will slot in as the first or third line left wing depending on where Chris Kreider plays.

More to come.

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