Rangers, Alexis Lafreniere nears extension: report

The Rangers are reportedly close to a long-term extension with the winger Alexis Lafrenieresaid Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Blueshirts were working on negotiating a massive deal with the former No. 1 overall draft pick, and it appears they have succeeded, as the terms of the contract call for a seven-year term and an AAV of around $7.6 million, per Brooks.

Still, just 23 years old, Lafreniere believes he will be a big part of the Rangers' future after they selected him with the top pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. Since then, the 6-foot-1, 196-pounder from St-Eustache, Quebec, has made a big impact in New York.

In 305 games, Lafreniere has 79 goals and 76 assists (155 points). Last season, the left winger set career highs in games played (82), goals (28) and assists (29). In seven games so far this season, he has scored four goals and three assists – on his way to another career year.

Securing Lafreniere to a long-term contract extension is crucial for the Rangers, who were unable to sign the goaltender Igor Shesterkin despite all efforts in the off-season.

According to ESPN's Kevin Weekes, Shesterkin turned down an eight-year, $88 million contract that would have made him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history. Instead, the 28-year-old will see out the final year of his four-year contract and hopes to earn even more money next offseason.