Rangers' Lafreniere Leads Comeback

0:00On April 24th, the New York Rangers just ended their 2025-26 season dead last in the Eastern Conference, missing the playoffs for the second straight year. Now they head into a Maker Break off season pack with big decisions to shake things up and get back to contending. Teams like this don't sit still after back-to-back flops, so expect moves like trading veterans, such as Vincent Trollcheck, to clear cap space and reset. The roster, even their former first overall pick, Alexis LaFranaire, got whispers of being shopped, but that strong-laid push might keep him locked in as a core. Peace, fans and analysts are buzzing about LaFranaire's turnaround at just 24 years old. He's no bust, just hitting his stride after some early. Lumps, that youth gives the Rangers hope he can anchor the rebuild instead of getting flipped for picks or prospects. In the final 25 games, he lit it up with 12 goals and 13 assists, hitting point per game pace and leading the team and scoring after.

1:01The Olympic break. His top line with Mika Zivenehad and Gay Perot clicked hard down the stretch, looking like the engine for next year. Barring some blockbuster deal, the Rangers should build around that trio and LaFranaire's upside, turning this low point into a launch pad for the rackets. Come back. Team coverage. Powered by AI. This is NHL News Today.