Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The New York Rangers are attempting to sign goaltender Igor Shesterkin, but he’s not the only player they’re trying to get under contract this NHL season.
The Hockey News’ Remy Mastey cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli’s report last Thursday that the Rangers were in contract talks with Alexis Lafreniere going back to this summer. The 23-year-old left winger is in the final season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.325 million.
Things have changed for Lafreniere since this time last season, when his slow development made him the subject of trade speculation. His 28-goal, 57-point breakout performance in 2023-24 silenced such chatter.
Seravalli’s sources claim the two sides are discussing several options, including an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8 million.
The Rangers aren’t facing the same urgency attempting to sign Lafreniere as they are with Shesterkin, who’s slated to become a UFA next July.
Lafreniere will become an RFA with arbitration rights on July 1. Nevertheless, there are several reasons why Rangers management prefers getting him signed as soon as possible.
Lafreniere’s asking price could rise if he exceeds last season’s performance. They’ll also want to avoid going through the arbitration process. There’s also the risk he’ll sign an offer sheet with another club that could prove too expensive to match.
Turning to the UFA market, TSN’s Chris Johnston observed last week that Mark Giordano, John Klingberg, Kevin Shattenkirk and Justin Schultz remain available. The veteran defensemen still hope to land NHL jobs this season.
Related: Could Mark Giordano Return To The NHL?
Johnston and his colleague Pierre LeBrun subsequently reported the Edmonton Oilers were linked to Giordano and Shattenkirk. However, the Edmonton Journal‘s Kurt Leavins believes Schultz might be a better fit. The 34-year-old blueliner began his career in Edmonton in 2012-13 before moving on to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and Seattle Kraken.
Schultz reportedly rejected a professional tryout offer during training camp as he wants an NHL contract. Johnston believes he could play in Europe this season if he doesn’t get a suitable offer.
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