Price the Canadiens Would Reportedly Need to Pay for Alexis Lafrenière Revealed
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Montrealers have always shown a particular interest in Alexis Lafrenière, and the latest news about him will certainly not change that.
According to multiple sources, he could be traded by the New York Rangers.
This follows the miserable 2024-2025 season of the Blue Shirts, who didn't even qualify for the playoffs despite being among the favorites to win the ultimate prize at the start of the campaign.
If the team doesn't want to embark on a rebuild like the Canadiens did with the arrival of Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes, GM Chris Drury seems to want to go for a good old reset.
To do this, he traded Chris Kreider and K'Andre Miller this summer while adding JT Miller, Vladislav Gavrikov, Scott Morrow, and Taylor Raddysh to the lineup.
But where does Alexis Lafrenière fit into all this?
The Canadiens should trade for "immediate reinforcement" in a deal for Alexis Lafrenière
According to David Pagnotta, he could leave the Big Apple in exchange for immediate reinforcement in a significant trade.
One wonders exactly what the Rangers could receive in return for the Quebecer, but at least we know they want immediate help.
He has not experienced the expected success since his debut in the big league.
While the 2023-2024 season was positive not only because of his offensive production (57 points in 82 games) but also for his overall play, last year was more difficult. He only totaled 45 points, including 17 goals, in 82 games in 2024-2025.
Moreover, his 7-year contract worth $7.45M per season, which starts now, could deter several teams from acquiring him.
Canadiens players who could provide immediate help for the Rangers include Josh Anderson and Mike Matheson. Both are veteran leaders who bring grit and valuable playoff experience. To make a deal work, Montreal would likely need to add a few draft picks.
Artemi Panarin could also leave the Rangers
Pagnotta adds to the Rangers' file by mentioning that none other than Artemi Panarin could also find himself on the trade market.
The 33-year-old forward will enter the final season of his 7-year, $81.5M contract. For now, there seems to be no discussion of a contract extension.
It would therefore not be surprising if, should things continue this way, his name pops up in trade rumors-especially if the Rangers have another miserable season.
Naturally, Panarin would be linked to the Canadiens if he ever hits the market.
The connection is easy to make since it was Jeff Gorton who gave him that big contract years ago.
As Félix Forget from DLC recalls, Panarin also considered signing in Montreal when he came to the NHL in 2015.
It should also not be forgotten that the Canadiens increasingly have Russian-origin players in their organization, including a certain Ivan Demidov..
It will be interesting to follow this file, whether at the next trade deadline or next July 1st.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 7 | 2042 ANSWERS Price the Canadiens Would Reportedly Need to Pay for Alexis Lafrenière Revealed Would you trade Mike Matheson or Josh Anderson + 2nd Round Pick + Prospect for Lafreniere? | ||
| Yes | 934 | 45.7 % |
| No | 1108 | 54.3 % |
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