Rangers Seek Consistency, Lafreniere Central to Strategy
In Edmonton, Alberta, the Rangers are on the hunt for more consistency in their performance, and one key player they need more from is Alexis Lafreniere.
Lafreniere, now in his sixth season after being the first overall pick by the Rangers in 2020, has left fans wanting more. In the first 11 games of the 2025-26 season, his contributions on both offense and defense haven’t been what many expected. While he’s active on the ice, it’s evident that his scoring touch is missing—his decision-making falters at times, leading to some defensive errors that cost the team.
“I think it’s been kind of a mixed bag,” head coach Mike Sullivan said after Wednesday’s practice at Rogers Place. “He’s shown he has the talent to make something out of nothing in certain games. We’re experimenting with his position in the top six to find combinations that help us secure wins.” Sullivan did note Lafreniere’s presence on the power play, suggesting that there’s potential for more from him.
Interestingly, Lafreniere ranks second on his team in expected goal share during five-on-five play (61.10) and in shots on goal (20). Only Mika Zibanejad has more points on the team, leading with 27.
When it comes to offensive opportunities, Lafreniere holds a solid third place in shots per 60 minutes with 7.87 and is tied for third in high-danger chances with 13 alongside Connor Sheary. On the defensive front, he’s scored seven goals at five-on-five, which ties him for second on the team with Zibanejad, though it’s noted too that he has the lowest plus-minus rating at -9.
“He’s had his chances to score,” Sullivan continued. “We expect him to elevate his game in terms of production. Our focus is on playing the right way, which should naturally lead to more opportunities. When they come, it’s vital to capitalize on them.”
In practice, the Rangers stuck with the same forward and defensive pairings as they looked to hone their strategy.
In their last game on Tuesday, the Rangers showed resilience, killing off all six penalties they faced. They managed to maintain an impressive 16-for-18 record (88.9 percent) in penalty killing on the road this season, placing them fifth in the league.
