Rangers Former First Overall Pick On Canada's Radar For Four Nations Face Off

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Ryan Hall
October 21, 2024 (8:57)

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It's been an incredible start to the season for Rangers former first overall pick Alexis Lafrenière who appears to be on the radar for Canada and the Four Nations Face-Off in February.

LaFreniere's emergence with the Rangers had been long overdue after several seasons of menial play, Lafrenière broke out last year where he achieved 57 points and is continuing that great play as he has had three goals and three assists through five games this season.

During an interview with nhl.com, Lafrenière was asked if he had thought about the Four Nations face off and whether he could be on the Canadians roster.

«That's always cool,» Lafrenière said via NHL.com. «Obviously, those events are fun to watch. You never know what can happen. I'll try to keep playing my game. My focus is here, try to help the team win, and play some good hockey.»

It became clear that head coach Peter Laviolette felt that Lafrenière would benefit by teaming up with Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin who had a record year last year with over 120 points and well over 40 goals. Laviolette explained that confidence was one of the driving forces and putting them together and becoming a dominant line which prevailed into the playoffs and almost put the team in the Stanley Cup Finals.

«For me it's more of a confidence thing with him that was built up from last year to him maybe being one of our best players in the playoffs,» Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said. «And some of the things he was doing in the playoffs, you'd have to be carrying some confidence to try and pull off some of the stuff that he did successfully.»

With his fantastic play, it also had been reported that Lafrenière's agent and the New York Rangers may be close to signing a new eight-year contract which is vital for the Rangers overall makeup as Lafrenière was pencilled to be a superstar for this team.