Alexis Lafrenière’s training camp, considered unsatisfactory by many fans and observers of the hockey scene, could take a different turn if the Quebecer answers his head coach’s call in his next game.
No. 13 was targeted by Rangers fans for failing to score a goal for the New York Islanders in Saturday’s friendly. Pilot Peter Laviolette also plans to use it on Thursday when the Blueshirts face the Boston Bruins. During the final training sessions this week, Lafrenière skated on the left wing within a trio completed by Barclay Goodrow and Tyler Pitlick, but alternating with Will Cuyle. Some will view this as a demotion as he has previously skated alongside bigger names like Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.
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“Laff won’t play [mercredi face aux Devils du New Jersey] “And I’m trying to give him more practice with the substitutes,” Laviolette told the New York Post newspaper. I was planning on sending it to the right, so I don’t know how that could have changed in practice. […] But he has already played three games and I don’t think it is necessary to let him play five.”
“I’m still open to options. “I haven’t said he’s gone back to the left yet,” the instructor insisted.
Lafrenière has been ineffective in the playoffs, settling for one assist so far. The Rangers’ campaign is scheduled to begin on October 12 against the Buffalo Sabres.