Former Stanley Cup Champion Lends Helping Advice For Rangers Former 1st-Overall Pick As Struggles Continue
Former New York Rangers player and Stanley Cup champion Mike Rupp imparted some wisdom on forward Alexis Lafreniere today. The former 1st overall pick in 2020 may not be able to beat the bust allegations much longer if he refuses to do this.
Alexis Lafreniere was selected 1st overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. He's had one successful season in the NHL, scoring 29 goals and 57 points in 2023-24.
Since then, he's failed to live up to his billing in the league, as a 1 OA pick. In fact, you could say he's taken a step back since then. In 2024-25, he'd follow with a disappointing 45-point season (17-28).
Now 12 games into the current year, and he's managed to put up only 5 points (1-4) on a team that is learning how to play Mike Sullivan's system.
Former Ranger and Stanley Cup champion Mike Rupp has advice for Lafreniere on how to become more productive and a fierce player on the ice.
Mike Rupp's Advice for Alexis Lafreniere
Rupp believes that Lafreniere needs to exercise the gritty part of himself on the ice. That means instead of hanging tight on the perimeter where it's safer, get in the dirty areas of the ice.
Pick up a net front goal, and fight with some of the opposition, and screen the goalie to give your team a chance for a point.
What he's doing isn't working now, as he's started off the year with a .42 points per game pace.
"When [Lafrenière] is a bull, he's hard to handle. He's got offensive flare. That's what made him a first overall pick. I feel like now it's a little too perimeter ... looking for pretty plays. Get some ugly plays. See what that can do for you." -
@Rupper17
on DFO Rundown #NYR
Not quite the production of a (generational talent) and forward selected 1st-overall in 2020.
Can he change up his routine in order to become a regular contributor in the lineup again?
To escape trade rumors again, he should put in a solid effort to score 50+ points this season.
@Rupper17
on DFO Rundown #NYR
Not quite the production of a (generational talent) and forward selected 1st-overall in 2020.
Can he change up his routine in order to become a regular contributor in the lineup again?
To escape trade rumors again, he should put in a solid effort to score 50+ points this season.
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 1 | 141 ANSWERS Former Stanley Cup Champion Lends Helping Advice For Rangers Former 1st-Overall Pick As Struggles Continue Should the New York Rangers trade forward Alexis Lafreniere? | ||
| Yes | 97 | 68.8 % |
| No | 44 | 31.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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