Projected 1st overall pick Lafrienere makes controversial decision regarding his playing future

The Auston Matthews route?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 5 years ago
 Projected 1st overall pick Lafrienere makes controversial decision regarding his playing future
Zuma Press

Earlier today there were reports that 2020 NHL Entry Draft top prospect Alexis Lafrenière was considering going the “Auston Matthews route” in his draft year, but leaving the Canadian Hockey League to play pro hockey in Europe.



Lafrenière was reportedly in negotiations with teams in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and Swiss National League (NL) teams before ultimately deciding to remain in Canada and play with the QMJHL’s Rimouski Oceanic.

Check out the statement from Lafrenière’s representation, courtesy of TSN reporter Bob McKenzie:









 The 17 year old Lafrenière has an outstanding 32 goals and 87 points in just 47 games with the Oceanic this season and has been pegged as the odds on favorite to be chosen first overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.

Of course, former first overall pick Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs ultimately DID decide to turn pro in his draft year, signing a one year deal with the ZSC Lions of the NL in 2016. He ended up winning the scoring race and league championship that season, cementing himself as the 2016 NHL Entry Draft’s first overall pick just months later.

As for Lafrenière... this kid is legit:

Source: Bob McKenzie