Monster trade involving Alexis Lafreniere at the draft surfaces!

This would be a blockbuster that could change everything for the Rangers.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 3 years ago
Monster trade involving Alexis Lafreniere at the draft surfaces!
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The Ottawa Senators didn’t get the luck of the draw during the first phase of the NHL draft lottery back in June, getting the third and fifth picks when they had the chance to get two selections in the top 5. 

While they have been focusing on getting prospects out of a strong draft year, the Senators’ focus might be shifting now that a blockbuster rumour has surfaced since the New York Rangers won the second phase of the lottery and will pick first overall in October. The Blue Shirts have a shot at top-ranked prospect Alexis Lafrenière of the Rimouski Océanic, but Jean-Charles Lajoie of TVA Sports has suggested that the Rangers could trade their no.1 pick to Ottawa and land both the third and fifth overall selections in that same draft. 

There had been talks even before Monday’s lottery that New York could consider trading away the first overall pick. 

Even Senators insider Bruce Garrioch believes GM Pierre Dorion will get on the line with the Rangers. 

“The betting money among NHL executives Tuesday was that Gorton would keep the pick, but not before he listened to what other general managers had to offer. The Senators were pleased to get the No. 3 and No. 5 selections in the draft, and that’s where they’ll likely stay, but expect general manager Pierre Dorion to have a conversation with the Rangers,” writes Garrioch in the Ottawa Sun. 

Recently, team insider Larry Brooks of the New York Post strongly suggested the Rangers could instead consider selecting big Sudbury Wolves center Quinton Byfield. He points to a looming top-six opening at center over the next couple of years and how Byfield could be the perfect solution.

“The Rangers do not have enough fiber. Not enough sandpaper. This confirmed it.
That, plus a looming top-six opening in the middle over the next couple of years, is why the Rangers might at least consider Sudbury’s Quinton Byfield rather than Rimouski’s Alexis Lafreniere if they win the lottery.”

It does make sense : after all, the Blue Shirts already have star player Artemi Panarin and veteran Chris Kreider at the left wing, with both guys carrying expensive contracts and full no-movement clauses. Playing Lafreniere on the third line wouldn’t be a great option and they couldn’t ask him to shift to the right side and take him out of his comfort zone.

However, Byfield might not be available after the Los Angeles Kings make their second overall selection. 

This could be a risky play by the Rangers - if their wish is to land Byfield… But you bet they could still build a strong future in the Big Apple with two solid top 5 picks in this year’s draft. 

So… do you pull the tigger?