NHL Trade Rumors: 3 Potential Landing Spots For Rangers' Alexis Lafreniere

Friday, May 23, 2025 , ,
New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere skates in 2025 game.

While the New York Rangers haven’t publicly placed Alexis Lafreniere on the trade block, that hasn’t stopped speculation from swirling. 

In a recent piece for Bleacher Report, Adam Gretz floated six possible destinations if the Rangers were to shop the former first-overall pick. Though Montreal was listed as a potential landing spot, we’re focusing on three other intriguing teams Gretz believes could have the assets—and the need—to swing a deal: the Calgary Flames, Utah Mammoth, and Minnesota Wild.

Calgary Flames Could Offer Defensive Help

Gretz sees the Calgary Flames as a logical trade partner thanks to their desperate need for scoring and surplus on defense. After finishing 29th in goals during the 2024-25 season, the Flames need firepower up front—and Lafreniere, despite his inconsistent play, offers top-six upside. Calgary also has multiple first-round picks to work with, and Gretz speculates that a “hockey trade” involving right-shot defenseman Rasmus Andersson could make sense. While Andersson’s contract situation complicates matters, this is one of the more balanced fits between team needs.

Utah Mammoth Have Cap Space and Ambition

Gretz also linked Lafreniere to the Utah Mammoth, one of the league’s most aggressive newcomers. With over $20 million in cap space and a young core that includes Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley, Utah is in a strong position to add a scoring winger. After heavily investing in their blue line last offseason, offense should be a priority this summer—and Lafreniere, still just 23, fits their timeline perfectly. Utah also owns the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft, but it’s unclear whether that level of draft capital would ever be on the table.

Minnesota Wild Could Swap Rossi for Lafreniere

Perhaps the most intriguing of Gretz’s speculative trade fits is the Minnesota Wild. The Wild finally have cap flexibility after years hampered by buyouts and are seeking offensive depth. Lafreniere would offer a potential long-term solution alongside Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy. In return, the Rangers could ask for 23-year-old center Marco Rossi, who has been the subject of trade chatter himself. As Gretz puts it, this could be a deal where both teams address key needs—though Rossi’s RFA status and the Rangers’ cap limitations could complicate any deal.

For now, Lafreniere remains a Ranger. But with GM Chris Drury under pressure to reshape the roster after a disappointing season, these speculative scenarios are worth watching as the offseason inevitably heats up.

Photo Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

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