New York Rangers on the verge of handing a massive extension to rising star

Over the past three years, the New York Rangers have waited patiently for the development of two former top picks in Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko, and now they are set to reward one of them.

Heading into last season, many saw it as the last chance for the 2020 No. 1 overall draft pick to make his mark and remain with the team, and he did just that, posting a career high in goals (28), points (57) and games (82), and with the team believing the 23-year old can take the next step, they're set to reward him. According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, the Rangers are in talks with Lafreniere over a long-term contract extension, one that would reportedly pay him $8 million annually over the next eight years.

It's unclear how urgent the talks are and whether or not both parties want to get a deal done before the off-season, but with the former top pick set to hit RFA status in the off-season, they'll likely want to get it done in the very near future. While Lafreniere didn't immediately live up to the hype like a Connor Bedard, he's slowly improved over his career, and with his ascension to the top line and 2 points in just 1 game thus far in 2024/25, it's clear he's ready to take the next step.

With the Rangers needing to pay Igor Shesterkin soon as well, it's safe to say they're going to hand out some big contracts in the near future, with the team intent on once again returning to the Stanley Cup Finals.