REPORT | Insider confirms the Canucks' interest in a former top draft pick
The Vancouver Canucks have some salary related issues they need to deal with over the summer, but that doesn't mean they won't be active in trying to improve their roster in the hope of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2024.
One name they've reportedly been very interested in and "continue to really like" is New York Rangers forward and 2020 first-overall pick Alexis Lafreniere, according to Rick Dhaliwal.
Lafreniere, 21, certainly hasn't lived up to the hype or expectations that come with being a first-overall pick in the National Hockey League. The Saint-Eustache (Quebec) native is set to become a restricted free agent this summer and could use a fresh start elsewhere.
While he set career-highs in assists (23) and points (39) this season, Lafreniere was not good enough during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as he didn't record a single point with the Rangers losing in seven games during the first round against New Jersey.
He's still young and has a lot of potential, which is likely why the Rangers won't give up on him yet, but if they do decide to place him on the trade market, Patrik Allvin should be all over it as Lafreniere could be a really solid middle-six forward on the Canucks' roster next season.
Previously on CanucksDaily
POLL |
MAI 16 | 815 ANSWERS REPORT | Insider confirms the Canucks' interest in a former top draft pick Should the Canucks try and acquire Alexis Lafreniere? |
Yes | 261 | 32 % |
No | 156 | 19.1 % |
Depends on the asking price | 359 | 44 % |
See Results | 39 | 4.8 % |
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