.@DhaliwalSports on the #Canucks:
“Lafrenière, they really like him…they’re going to try & create cap space…Myers, Garland, if there’s something there for Boeser, Miller…you’re gonna hear these names at the #NHLDraft again.” #NYR@YellowDogBeer | https://t.co/74KXzYCDWI
– Sekeres and Price (@sekeresandprice) May 6, 2023
Alexis Lafrenière: the Canucks are working (very) hard to acquire him
Auteur: Manuel Sperandio-LemaySince Alexis Lafrenière was drafted first overall in 2020, his professional career has been rather tumultuous. Being “taken” by a team that can’t make room for him in the top-6 seems to be hurting him a bit, while he still hasn’t hit his stride offensively.
39 points in 81 games isn’t “bad”, but for a first-round pick in his third season, it leaves something to be desired.
The easy link to make between Lafrenière and the Canucks is the presence of Émilie Castonguay in the Vancouver field hockey organization. Remember that she was Alexis Lafrenière’s agent before making the leap into a management role (she’s currently one of Patrik Allvin’s assistants) and could be pushing to try and bring her former client to town.
If there’s one person who can speak knowledgeably about Lafrenière, it’s probably her.
That said, there’s no indication that the Rangers are necessarily eager to part with the Quebecer. Elliotte Friedman doesn’t feel that way, at least, and stated a few weeks ago that he believes one of the missions of the team’s next coach will be to help Lafrenière get off the ground.
Elliotte Friedman believes the Rangers want to give him the opportunity to explode → https://t.co/UfnyUDngyS
– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) May 9, 2023
Getting back to Dhaliwal, he also notes in his speech that the Canucks like to target such players. The club snapped up Vitali Kravtsov last year (which didn’t work out) and also had Kirby Dach in its sights a year ago before the latter came to Montreal.
Clearly, high draft picks who don’t live up to expectations with their home clubs seem to intrigue the Canucks (and the CH, for that matter).
With Vancouver, the forward would undoubtedly have more opportunities to get big playing time. That’s a problem for him in New York right now, and it’s hurting his development.
Kaapo Kakko has sent a message to his team hoping for a chance to move to the next level next season → https://t.co/y1gFRywvo9
– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) May 4, 2023
So we’ll see if a deal involving Lafreniere materializes between the Rangers and Canucks, but I’m personally skeptical. I don’t think the Rangers are ready to give up on him just yet, and we want to give him another chance to get comfortable.
In gusts
– I agree. To me, a signing like that can’t hurt (and Alex Belzile fits the same mold).
It’s easy to understand why some #GoHabsGo fans scoff at the idea of extending players like Michael Pezzetta or Alex Belzile.
But in a salary-cap world, there is definitely value to be found in building a strong fourth line.
Here’s why: https://t.co/lKEqUkiiF2
– Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) June 2, 2023
– Not a bad comparison.
To analyze the #Petes ‘ performance this week, it’s a bit like the team trailing 0-3 in a (4 of 7)
Win Tuesday vs QUE
Win yesterday vs KAMSo still trailing 2-3 plays tonight vs SEA – with a win it would be game #7 on Sunday
– Stephane Leroux (@StephRDSJunior) June 2, 2023
– Logical.
Capitals have reportedly let teams know that they’re ready to move on from Anthony Mantha https://t.co/luuY3K5zX4
– RMNB (@rmnb) June 2, 2023
– The Diamondbacks are surprising a lot of people this season. My text on the subject.
Corbin Carroll and Zac Gallen are the foundation of the club’s success. https://t.co/T0CXGukhxX
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) June 2, 2023
– Let’s hope he recovers well.
Rafael Nadal undergoes surgery to repair hip injury https://t.co/jhHrCbZcAT
– La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) June 2, 2023