When flashy forward Alexis Lafreniere was selected first overall by the New York Rangers back in 2020, he was being touted as a can’t-miss future star.
This 6’2″, 191-pound left winger from Saint-Eustache, Quebec, who in his third and final season scored 35 goals along with 112 points for the QMHL’s Rimouski Oceanic, has suffered frequent spells of inconsistency during his five-plus seasons with the Rangers, which has resulted in his name being frequently mentioned over the years in trade talks.
Lafreniere, who is now 24 years old, had arguably his greatest individual moment in a Rangers jersey when, on Tuesday, December 23rd, he received an early Christmas present when, at Capital One Arena, 9:18 into the third period, he snapped an ugly seven game goalless drought as he scored his eighth of the season and 100th in his career during an eventual 7-3 Rangers win against the Washington Capitals.
Rangers Forward Lafreniere Scores 100th Career Goal
This milestone goal, which turned out to be the game-winner, came on a deflection from a shot by forward Artemi Panarin, which eluded Capitals goalie Logan Thompson. Â
Lafreniere’s goal was one of five the Rangers scored in the third period to take control the game.
“I knew I was at 99, so it’s good to get it,” Lafreniere said about the milestone goal. “It’s a good feeling.”
Currently, the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, Alex Ovechkin, has 911 career goals, which means Lafreniere is only 811 goals behind.
During this game against Washington, Lafreniere played 18:22 minutes, totaling two points while registering two shots on goal with a plus/minus of +1. For his career, Lafreniere has scored in 419 career games, 213 total points while racking up 164 PIMs.
Lafreniere Scores First NHL Goal vs. Sabres
Lafreniere didn’t officially make his NHL debut until January 14, 2021, and it didn’t go smoothly as he had only one shot on goal in a 4-0 loss against the New York Islanders. He would have to wait two weeks before celebrating his first NHL goal which was an overtime winner against Linus Ullmark during a January 28th 3-2 win at KeyBank Center against the Buffalo Sabres. This broke a seven game scoreless drought for Lafreniere.
“I had a lot of good chances and I was just going to keep going and it was going to go in for sure,” Lafreniere said after his goal. “I kept going, kept grinding, and a nice pass by Blackie on what was kind of an open net. For sure it is (a weight off my shoulders). I saw the puck go in and all the boys jumping on the ice. It was a pretty special moment.”
Meanwhile Rangers coach Dave Quinn has been impressed with Lafreniere’s play and couldn’t say enough about the young up and coming forward.
“Obviously everybody talks about his world-class talent but this guy is a ballsy kid, he really is,” Quinn said. “I don’t care if he’s the first pick or the 271st pick, he’s a ballsy kid, a kid you want to be around. He’s had a lot of fun with the fact that he’s been snake-bit, he probably should have had four goals tonight but for him to get his first in that moment, in that situation and under those circumstances, I couldn’t be happier for him. His game was coming, he was playing better and better each night, so it’s just great to see this.”
Lafreniere Dominated While Playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Lafreniere was selected first overall in 2017 in the QMJHL by the Rimouski Oceanic and right away established himself as an elite talent destined to be a star. During his three years with Oceanic Lafreniere would produce 114 goals, 297 points and 176 PIMs during 173 regular season games.
In his rookie season, Lafreniere scored 42 goals and 80 points along with 54 PIM’s and won the 2018 Rookie of the Year Award along with the Michel Bergeron Trophy and was not surprisingly named to the 2018 QMJHL All-Rookie Team and the QMJHL First All-Star Team.
Following his second season, which saw Lafreniere score 105 points, he was named for a second year in a row to the QMJHL First All-Star Team and was the recipient of the Paul Dumont Trophy.
After his third and final QMJHL season, where Lafreniere scored 112 points, this soon to be first overall NHL pick was named winner of the Paul Dumont Trophy for a second year in a row and also won the Jean Beliveau Trophy and Michel Briere Memorial Trophy.
Two other of his many achievements also include the 2019 and 2020 CHL player of the Year award.
While Lafreniere might not be the superstar that scouts believed he would be, it’s still been a solid career which over the years has seen this 24 year-old accomplish quite a few great achievements such as reaching the 100 goal plateau.
Main Image: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
