Rangers' Alexis Lafreniere on 7-year deal: 'I love playing here'

Field Level Media|published: 10/26/2024, 12:17pm EDT

May 22, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreniere (13) skates against the Florida Panthers during the third period of game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere was all smiles as he sat in front of his locker on Saturday morning, one day after signing a seven-year contract extension.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the Rangers on Friday, however TSN reported the deal is worth $52.15 million. The contract will begin in the 2025-26 season and span through the 2031-22 campaign.

"It's great. It's a long deal," Lafreniere said. "I love playing here. So it's really good for me to stay for a long time."

Lafreniere repeatedly said Saturday that he's looking forward to focusing his attention to matters on the ice now that contract talks have concluded. Prior to Friday's deal, he was set to become a restricted free agent in July after he played out the final season of a two-year, $4.65 million contract he signed in August 2023.

Lafreniere, 23, has recorded seven points (four goals, three assists) in seven games this season.

He has totaled 155 points (79 goals, 76 assists) in 305 games since being selected by the Rangers with the top overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft.

--Field Level Media