Team: 2021-22 New York Rangers

Initial Creation Date: Nov. 11, 2021

Published: Nov. 11, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Alexis Lafreniere has had the unflattering title of "bust" thrown onto his name, even though this is just his 2nd season in the NHL. Yes, while it is true that everyone (especially NYR fans) wanted Lafreniere to develope out of the gate into this McDavid-Crosby type (going off the hype he was given in his draft year) this has certainly not happened and Alexis has been jumping around the bottom 6 for a healthy chunk of this season. The initial assignation to the bottom 6 came when he found chemistry with Blais and Chytil on the same line, but unfortunately this line has failed to last (primarily do to injury). My honest opinion is that Lafreiniere will develop into a star in the NHL, but he may take a few more years than people initially had hoped for. But this does not mean that the NYR should walk away from Lafreniere, quite the opposite if the NYR have any hope of being able to be a dominant power in the NHL for years to come getting rid of young stars like Kaapo or Alexis is not the way to do it. I personally feel that if Lafreniere is not getting his game into shape by the next 5 games I would ask him directly if he would like to spend a few games down in the AHL to work on his game and skills needed to flourish in the NHL, after all players being called better than Lafreniere (Raymond and the like) spent 1 more year developing in their respective leagues before being pushed into a top 6 role this season.

As for Kaapo I am less worried (in fact I am not worried at all right now) he has found chemistry with Strome, and while it is true that Panarin and Kaapo are not the best fit on the ice after they learn to play to each other's strengths then that line can be one of the best in the league. As for the lack of points, again I am not worried, since Kaapo should have at least 3 assists and 4 goals so far this year (unfortunately he has been robbed every single time and just looks a bit snake bitten currently, but that all can change in the blink of an eye).

I moved Panarin to play 1st line LW since Zibanejad and him work together like a well-oiled machine when together and Lafreinere - Strome - Kakko looked like a beast line in the preseason (especially in games against the Islanders and Bruins).

But hey these are just my 2 cents on the situation, let me know what you guys think is the problem with these 2 young players in the comments and no trolls please.