NHL Rumors: The Latest on Rangers' Lafreniere's Trade Value Will Surprise You

Alexis Lafreniere might not be 'as tradeable an asset as people believe he is.'

Chris Kreider is getting settled in in Anaheim, and we're all just waiting for the next shoe to drop at Madison Square Garden, as the New York Rangers prepare for their next big roster shakeup move.

But for those expecting former No. 1 overall pick Alexis Lafreniere to be the next one shipped out, a pair of insiders beg to differ.

Greg Wyshynski, speaking on Daily Faceoff's The Sheet, doesn't think the Rangers will be able to unload him. And it's because he doesn't think that Lafreniere will get the Blueshirts the type of trade return that they might be hoping for.

I'm not convinced that he is as tradeable an asset as people believe he is.

Host Jeff Marek feels the same way:

There becomes a point in your career where you're no longer the player that was drafted at a certain position. There's only so long you can say, 'Oh you're trading a first overall pick.'... When you change from potential to actual... The pick itself no longer matters whatsoever.

After a breakout year in 2023-24, with 28 goals and 57 points, the Rangers rewarded Lafreniere, the 2020 first overall pick, with a seven-year, $52.15 million extension — a $7.45M AAV. That kicks in next season.

The main reasons that Alexis Lafreniere likely won't be traded this summer

"They overcompensated him for what they projected he could do", says Wyshynski, in further providing evidence why he doesn't feel the team will get a satisfactory offer on the trade market.

Sure enough, Lafreniere took a step back this past season, with just 17 goals and 45 points in 82 games, with a career-worst minus-13 rating.

Restricted free agent K'Andre Miller is the other big name being dangled, and he is much more likely to be dealt. In fact, from the sounds of it, only three Rangers are considered 'untouchable' this summer.