No indication that Alex Lyon is starting. Just an observation. Sergei Bobrovsky won the last three games in the series vs. Boston.
– Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 2, 2023
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Alexis Lafrenière’s playoff production this year didn’t live up to expectations in New York. Basically, the Quebecer was blanked in all seven of his team’s games against the Devils, also registering a paltry total of nine shots on goal.
And you know as well as I do how high expectations are when you’re talking about the first overall pick.
On the other side of the coin, Lafrenière didn’t necessarily get as many chances as he would have liked. In fact, Gérard Gallant decided to cut his bench during the playoffs, mostly favoring the team’s big guns in Kane, Tarasenko, Zibanejad, Kreider and company.
That’s my problem. How can a youngster continue to improve and progress if he never gets a chance to shine? Because this isn’t the first time we’ve heard this kind of talk about his playing time in the Big Apple…
And that’s why he’s been the subject of so many trade rumors in recent years. Many felt that the Quebecer deserved the chance to get “a fresh start” with another team for the sake of his career, and the idea continues to gain ground.
At 21, the kid is still very young. Georges Laraque explained earlier today that he still has plenty of time to explode, and the former NHL brawler points to Lafrenière’s 39 points (in 81 games) as evidence of this.
For all these reasons, Georges wouldn’t hesitate to trade the Canadiens’ top pick (if he falls that far) to New York:
Despite Alexis Lafrenière’s disappointing series, @GeorgesLaraque wouldn’t hesitate to trade the sixth overall pick to get his hands on the Quebec forward. 🔵⚪️🔴
To listen to the entire segment with @MaximeTruman: https://t.co/pzbltWnS3w pic.twitter.com/T9nAjyMB5F
– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) May 2, 2023
There it is again…
This isn’t the first time the scenario of Laffy ending up in Montreal has been “created” and it won’t be the last either.
His name will be linked to the CH organization until the Rangers find a solution to see him become better. Whether that means trading him…
Or by giving him a vote of confidence. And let’s not forget that this summer, Lafrenière will have to negotiate a new contract, since he’ll be a compensated independent player.
His early career is far, far from catastrophic… But he hasn’t necessarily shown the Rangers that he has what it takes for the team to offer him a big contract.
We’ll have to keep an eye on him.
Breaking news
– Congratulations. Well deserved.
ETERNAL CAPTAIN 💙@pbernier10 will be inducted into the Wall of Fame on Saturday at Saputo Stadium! >>> https://t.co/AygU4S1q5m
Patrice Bernier to be inducted onto the Wall of Fame this Saturday at Stade Saputo! >>> https://t.co/8Gv0F6SqgT#8ERNIER #CFMTL pic.twitter.com/qxwq4irXLw
– CF Montréal (@cfmontreal) May 2, 2023
– Who will be the Panthers’ goalie tonight?
– Whew. Hard to believe they’ll be able to recover.
Heavy loss for the @HFXMooseheads Jordan Dumais will miss the rest of the series against the Sherbrooke #Phoenix #QMJHL
– Stephane Leroux (@StephRDSJunior) May 2, 2023
– The interest seems to be real.
Snoop Dogg on ESPN’s ‘First Take’ this morning talking about his interest to purchase the Ottawa Senators. pic.twitter.com/4qg7h98GQ3
– Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) May 2, 2023
– Marcus Johansson signs contract extension with the Wild.
Marcus Johansson 2x$2M with MIN https://t.co/xm6KqFrwwD
– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 2, 2023
– Speaking of the Wild, several players were injured in the playoffs.
Gaudreau will need surgery for an abdominal issue that’s been going on for 4 months, Guerin says. Zuccarello had a groin injury
– Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) May 2, 2023
