Alexis Lafreniere: 2020 NHL Draft Odds and Predictions

Alexis Lafreniere will be the sure fire number one selection by the New York Rangers at this year’s NHL Draft. In terms of a style comparison, he plays the game similarly to Vincent Lecavalier, if he were a winger, but perhaps with more offensive skill.

The current Rimouski Oceanic captain played three seasons in the QMJHL and started his junior career in the 2017-18 season racking up 80 points (42 goals, 38 assists) in his first season. He continued to improve on those numbers putting up 105 points in his second season and when played ended this season he was leading the QMJHL in scoring with 112 points in only 52 games. When breaking down those numbers, he led all CHL players with an average of 2.15 points per game.

“He makes plays that you don’t even think those plays are possible, and he still makes them,” said Central scouting bureau regional scout J.F. Damphousse. “What separates him from the pack is his compete level,” Damphousse added. “He’s willing to play physical. He battles very game, and any time the game is on the line, you want him on the ice.”

As Damphousse mentioned, Lafreniere is no stranger to physical play. In three seasons in the QMJHL the 6-foot 1, 195 pound left winger averaged 58 penalty minutes per season.

Lafreniere played back to back years for Canada at the World Junior Championship. Last season he helped Canada secure a Gold medal and earned MVP honors finishing up the tournament with 10 points in only five games.

Lafreniere will likely become a franchise player. Combine his speed, intelligence, scoring ability and size all of which make him the unquestioned number one prospect in the 2020 NHL Draft. Take it a step forward, it should surprise no one when Lafreniere plays in the NHL next season and will certainly be the favourite to win the Calder Trophy.

With the likes of Artemi Panarin, Mike Zibanejad, Tony DeAngelo and Kaapo Kakko, plus the numerous rumors that the Rangers will be very active in free agency; the future will be bright on broadway.

Projection:

1st overall – New York Rangers