Poor Alexis Lafrenière came close to becoming a member of the Vancouver Canucks this weekend.
A major transaction, which would have shaken the hockey world, was about to be concluded between the New York Rangers and the Canucks, involving the Quebec forward in an exchange centered around JT Miller.
However, at the very last moment, the Rangers backed down, refusing to include Lafrenière in the transaction, leaving the young player and his family in an unbearable state of suspense.
According to renowned informant Elliotte Friedman, everything was in place for JT Miller to take charge of New York.
Miller, aware of the impending trade, even expected to be left out for the Canucks’ game against the Oilers on Saturday night. However, against all odds, he was finally inserted into the lineup, collecting two assists in a 3-2 victory.
This turnaround reflects the chaos that surrounded this last-minute transaction.
The Rangers tried everything to send Mika Zibanejad to Vancouver for Miller, but the Canucks had one compelling demand: Alexis Lafrenière had to be included in the trade.
And this is precisely where the negotiations stopped.
In a turnaround that took everyone by surprise, Rangers management chose to keep their young Quebec winger, ending a saga that could have had major repercussions for both teams.
Asked after the game, JT Miller wanted to set the record straight about his future with the Canucks.
“Whatever has to happen will happen. I don’t get into that. I’m a Canuck, today and tomorrow. I’m focusing on the next match.”he told reporters.
These words, although full of professionalism, do not hide a certain resignation. The 31-year-old, who never asked to be traded according to Friedman, but who did everything to provoke his departure with his mood swings, now seems to live day to day, aware that his fate is in his hands of team management.
On Saturday morning, while he expected to be left out of the lineup, he was ultimately sent to the ice, a sign of continued instability behind the scenes.
This hundredth media whirlwind plunged Lafrenière and those close to him into perpetual uncertainty. Living on the North Shore of Montreal, his family follows the slightest developments with anxiety, dreading each transaction alert.
For several months, Lafrenière’s name has constantly come up in trade rumors, fueling speculation about his uncertain future in New York.
This aborted attempt at a transaction in Vancouver is only the latest chapter in a long series of rumors that have surrounded Alexis Lafrenière for ages.
The young Quebecer has already seen his name linked to several NHL teams, putting his mental stability to the test.
A few weeks ago, a persistent rumor wanted the Rangers to send Lafrenière to Ottawa in exchange for captain Brady Tkachuk.
The owner of the Senators, Michael Andlauer, categorically denied this information, but that did not prevent those around the player from experiencing moments of uncertainty.
Lafreniere was also mentioned in discussions involving the Los Angeles Kings, as they looked to add young talent to their roster.
Again, no trade materialized, but the rumor fueled speculation and added an extra layer of pressure on the young winger’s shoulders.
Finally, his name has often come up in discussions surrounding the Montreal Canadiens, a team that has been closely monitoring Lafrenière’s situation since his draft in 2020, especially since it was Jeff Gorton who drafted him in New York.
Despite persistent rumors, no concrete movement has been recorded on this side, leaving the Lafrenière family uncertain about the future of their son.
-The Rangers’ refusal to include Lafrenière in the trade with Vancouver can be seen as a show of confidence, but that doesn’t mean the rumors will stop.
New York management could simply wait for a better opportunity to transfer him to a more advantageous context.
For his part, Lafrenière must continue to deal with this immense pressure that surrounds each young prospect drafted at the top.
With a checkered progression since he signed his enormous contract of $7.45 million per year spread over seven seasons, “Laffy” is going through very difficult times.
The rumors sending him to Vancouver must still be a little less distressing.
Because the Canucks would represent an opportunity for him to start from scratch under the direction of Émilie Castonguay, his former agent, who knows his potential perfectly and could help him relaunch his career.
But this failed trade raises a troubling question: Do the Rangers still really believe in Lafreniere, or is it just a matter of timing before they end up sacrificing him?
As for the Canucks, this attempted transaction demonstrates their pressing desire to turn the page on JT Miller.
Despite his excellent performances this season with 31 points in 35 games, his attitude and his role in the team’s internal tensions raise many questions. Coach Rick Tocchet has not held back from criticizing the player, recently declaring:
“Every time he’s on the ice, something bad happens. »
A scathing statement which confirms that the marriage between Miller and the Canucks is coming to an end.
With this failed trade, Vancouver finds itself stuck with a player whose market value could drop if the internal situation continues to deteriorate.
And the Rangers, by refusing to include Lafrenière, appear to have played a dangerous game, preferring to keep a card in hand rather than make a bold decision.
Despite this reprieve, it is difficult to believe that the chapter of rumors is closed for Alexis Lafrenière. Its development is stagnating, and the pressure of the New York market weighs heavily on its shoulders.
The Rangers, looking for immediate offensive solutions, could be tempted to relaunch discussions with other teams ready to offer them an impact player.
With recent rumors involving other teams interested in JT Miller, including Boston and Pittsburgh, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Lafreniere thrown into the thick of discussions again in the near future.
The Rangers know they will have to make a crucial decision soon: continue to bank on Lafreniere or seize an opportunity before his value drops further.
This weekend, Alexis Lafrenière almost saw his life turned upside down, once again. The constant pressure of these rumors weighs heavily on him and his family, who must live every day waiting for a possible phone call that would change their daily lives.
This situation, although commonplace in the NHL, remains difficult to live with for a young player who has never hidden his attachment to the Rangers.
Our thoughts are with Lafrenière and his loved ones, who hope to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Whether in New York or elsewhere, one thing is certain: it is time for Alexis Lafrenière to prove, once and for all, that he has his place in this league.
