"At just 8 goals and 20 points through 42 games this season, there is no excusing the offensive output from Alexis Lafreniere. He is far from the only player on the New York Rangers that can't score, but he deserves equal blame for the situation the Rangers are in. That said, Alexis Lafreniere is having the best defensive season of his career, and while that is certainly not enough to absolve him of blame for the rest of his game, it's something worth noting."
"Under Peter Laviolette, Lafreniere was receiving anywhere from 70%-80% offensive zone starts. Under Mike Sullivan this season, that number has dropped to 61.5%, per Natural Stat Trick. Both Laviolette and Sullivan have tried to get Lafreniere's line out against weaker competition, to varying success. With more time outside the offensive zone, Lafreniere's game had to evolve. We want him to score, and his role and contract dictate he needs to score more."
Alexis Lafreniere has produced only 8 goals and 20 points through 42 games while taking equal blame for the Rangers' scoring issues. He recorded career highs of 28 goals, 29 assists, and 57 points in 2023–2024 but has not matched those numbers this season. His deployment shifted from 70–80% offensive zone starts under Peter Laviolette to 61.5% under Mike Sullivan, with both coaches trying to shelter his line against weaker competition. Increased defensive deployments forced an evolution in his play, producing the best defensive season of his career, though offensive production remains insufficient given role and contract.
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