Blockbuster trade proposal surfaces between the Rangers and Red Wings involving two former first-round picks
Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images // Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
A Blockbuster trade proposal has just surfaced between the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings, which involves both their former first-round draft picks.
The framework popped up on Thursday through an online trade-rumour account, not through a verified team source or a locked-in beat report.
However, the timing makes sense in a messy way for the New York Rangers. When the results crater and the noise rises, even big names get tossed into the conversation, fairly or not.
Lafreniere is the kind of player who always pulls clicks because of the draft slot and the talent flashes. He's 24, went first overall in 2020, and he did post 57 points in 2023-24.
The contract angle is real, though, and it's why Detroit gets mentioned. Lafreniere is locked in at a $7.45 million cap hit through 2031-32, which is long-term control for a top-six bet.
Alexis Lafreniere to the Detroit Red Wings?
If you're Detroit, the appeal is simple hockey math. You add a big winger who can finish, then plug him into a lineup that wants more punch behind the first wave.
If you're New York, Kasper is the cleaner part of the return. He was drafted eighth overall in 2022, he plays center, and he'd come with years of team control at a sub-$1 million cap hit.
🚨 TRADE RUMOR BREAKDOWN - Alexis Lafrenière ➡️ Detroit Red Wings?
The Cost: Marco Kasper + 2026 1st Round Pick.
Here is why Steve Yzerman might actually pull the trigger on this:
Lafrenière is cost-controlled ($7.45M) until the 2030s.
Detroit needs a Top-6 Winger NOW.
Kasper is a high price, but quality costs quality.
The Cost: Marco Kasper + 2026 1st Round Pick.
Here is why Steve Yzerman might actually pull the trigger on this:
Lafrenière is cost-controlled ($7.45M) until the 2030s.
Detroit needs a Top-6 Winger NOW.
Kasper is a high price, but quality costs quality.
The production right now is modest, which matters when you're paying the price of Lafreniere plus reputation. Kasper has 6 points in 47 games this season, and that's a real hurdle for any «win now» pitch.
That's where the 2026 first-round pick becomes the real oxygen for the Rangers side. A pick like that can restock, or it can be flipped again, but only if the front office truly commits to a different direction.
Also read on NY Hockey Insider :
J.T. Miller snaps and unloads an uncensored take on the New York Rangers disastrous 8-4 loss to the Senators
J.T. Miller snaps and unloads an uncensored take on the New York Rangers disastrous 8-4 loss to the Senators
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 15 | 372 ANSWERS Blockbuster trade proposal surfaces between the Rangers and Red Wings involving two former first-round picks Would you trade Alexis Lafreniere to the Detroit Red Wings for Marco Kasper and a 2026 1st Round Pick? | ||