Prince Alexis. This is how the New York Post nicknamed Alexis Lafrenière, hours after the New York Rangers made him the first-ever pick in the NHL Draft on October 6.
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“After saying goodbye to King Hendrik, the Blueshirts hope that the first choice in total, Alexis Lafrenière, is the new royalty ”, we could also read on the front page of the New York daily. King Henrik is Henrik Lundqvist, from whom the Rangers had just bought the last year of the contract.
No doubt the pressure is high on the young left winger and, after a few months of waiting, he is expected to make his NHL debut on Thursday against the Islanders in New York.
Recent history, however, has taught us to be careful before thinking that a first overall pick will have an immediate impact a la Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid, for example. Last year, 2019 NHL Draft No. 1 Jack Hughes had all sorts of trouble in his first season on the Bettman Tour, with the New Jersey Devils amassing just 21 points in 61 games. .
In her case, however, the lack of physical maturity likely contributed to her difficulties. In Lafrenière’s case, that shouldn’t be a problem, he who showed up to Rangers training camp at 193 lbs from 6’2 ” tall.
His teammate Chris Kreider did not fail to point it out to members of the media during the opening of the training camp of the Blueshirts.
“One of the things that struck me the most was how much stronger he is physically than the average person his age. He’s very solid on his skates and he’s a born competitor, ”noted the power forward.
Again, that does not guarantee instant success in the big league, and the Rangers know it well since Kaapo Kakko, second overall pick behind Hughes in 2019, also struggled to adapt to his first season in the NHL despite an imposing physique (6’3 ” and 199 lbs).
In what role?
That being said, Lafrenière is neither Hughes nor Kakko, but in light of what Rangers head coach David Quinn said, as well as what we saw during training camp, it seems like the The team will not throw their No. 13 in the mouth of the wolf when starting.
For the majority of training camp, he trained to the left of Filip Chytil and Julien Gauthier.
“One of the things we’re focusing on with our young players is making sure they get here and play to the best of their ability. It’s a tough league for a 19-year-old, no matter where you’ve been claimed, where you’ve played and your skill level. Alexis will have every opportunity to take advantage of his talent. He has been an elite player for several years and I expect him to come here, work hard and deserve his playing time, ”Quinn said.
Discussion positive
The head coach took the time to have dinner with his young colt when he arrived in New York a few weeks ago.
“I had a very good feeling, admitted Lafrenière. We talked about hockey, but also about everyday life. He’s a very good coach and he really has a winning mentality. It’s the fun to have a coach like him and I will continue to listen to him. ”
Remember that Lafrenière became the eighth Quebecer to be claimed first in the NHL draft since 1970, after Gilbert Perreault (1970), Guy Lafleur (1971), Mario Lemieux (1984), Pierre Turgeon (1987), Alexandre Daigle (1993) ), Vincent Lecavalier (1998) and Marc-André Fleury (2003).
Best rookie seasons for first pick overall
Alex Ovechkin (2005-2006)
- 106 pts in 81 games
Dale Hawerchuk (1981-1982)
- 103 pts in 80 games
Sidney Crosby (2005-2006)
- 102 pts in 81 games
Mario lemieux (1984-1985)
- 100 pts in 73 games
Eric Lindros (1992-1993)
- 75 pts in 61 games
Mike Modano (1989-1990)
- 75 pts in 80 games
Patrick Kane (2007-2008)
- 72 pts in 82 games
Auston Matthews (2016-2017)
- 69 pts in 82 games
Nathan MacKinnon (2013-2014)
- 63 pts in 82 games
Mats Sundin (1990-1991)
- 59 pts in 80 games
John Tavares (2009-2010)
- 54 pts in 82 games
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011-2012)
- 52 pts in 62 games
Nico Hischier (2017-2018)
- 52 pts in 82 games
Ilya Kovalchuk (2001-2002)
- 51 pts in 65 games
Alexandre daigle (1993-1994)
- 51 pts in 84 games
Connor McDavid (2015-2016)
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