Monster player-for-player trade scenario sends Alexis Lafreniere out of New York

At the start of the 2024-25 season, the New York Rangers were considered one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference to contend for a championship, however, they’ve had a nightmare campaign where nothing seems to be working on Broadway.

But as of Tuesday morning, they remain in playoff contention, tied with the New York Islanders one point behind the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.

But general manager Chris Drury, who’s been walking a tightrope, has begun a major shake-up, parting ways with captain Jacob Trouba, former first-round pick Kaapo Kakko, as well as Ryan Lindgren, Jimmy Vesey, and Reilly Smith. And many believe more moves will be coming to the Big Apple in the summer. One of the names being mentioned as possible trade bait is veteran forward Chris Kreider, who has mentioned in trade circles earlier this season and could end up moving in the offseason.

However, New York Post’s own Larry Brooks did not stop there. He recently suggested that the Rangers should trade forward Alexis Lafreniere, who, after an encouraging campaign last year, appears to have regressed this season.

Brooks believes the Rangers could end up trading Lafreniere to the Anaheim Ducks in return for another first round pick, forward Trevor Zegras. Such a trade could benefit both young players, giving them a fresh start to revive their careers elsewhere.

So far this season, Lafreniere has recorded 15 goals and 25 assists for a total of 40 points in 71 games. He has seven years remaining on his contract, which carries an average annual value of $7.45 million.

As for Zegras, who’s three years younger than Lafreniere, he has put up 9 goals and 15 assists for a total of 24 points in 45 games. He has one year left on his contract, which carries an average annual value of $5.75 million.

This is certainly an intriguing proposal, considering the Rangers and Lafreniere agreed to a seven-year contract at the start of the season. Given his disappointing performances, New York might be open to offloading this hefty contract before it even fully kicks in.