Alexis Lafreniere is not off to the expected start with 17 points, including five goals in 36 games this season. In the Rangers' last eight games, the forward has no goals.
At morning practice, Lafreniere was rotated with Samuel Blais on the fourth line, meaning the 2020 first overall pick is not guaranteed a spot in the lineup for the next game.
#NYR practice lines:
Kreider - Zib - Kakko
Panarin - Trocheck - Goodrow
Kravtsov - Chytil - Gauthier
Laf/Blais - Brodzinski - Vesey- Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) December 28, 2022
Fans disagree with Gerard Gallant's decision, while Lafreniere will have little opportunity to make his mark playing on the fourth line.
Absolutely criminal that Lafreniere hasn't been given the opportunity to shine with the Rangers. They've buried this kid on the third line his entire career so far and now he's practicing with the fourth line. Give him a chance or trade him. https://t.co/2uCbDAZqlp- Daniel Friedman (@DanJFriedman) December 28, 2022
Also, Alexis Lafreniere has been linked to a few trade rumours lately.
It remains to be seen if the forward will be on the ice for tomorrow's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Source: Fanadiens
Would you trade Alexis Lafreniere if you were the Rangers GM?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs reporter addresses rumours of Mitch Marner's trade list