Islanders: Getting to know new New York Rangers player Alexis Lafreniere

With the first overall pick, the New York Rangers drafted Alexis Lafreniere. New York Islanders fans, here what you need to know about him.

With the first-overall pick at the 2020 Draft, the New York Rangers selected Alexis Lafreniere. That means the New York Islanders need to get used to seeing the winger from the QMJHL.

The Rangers, who were already talented with guys like Kappo Kakko, Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, and Igor Shestyorkin added an elite level winger in Lafreniere. So what do the New York Islanders and their fans need to know about the kid from Saint-Eustache, Québec?

Big and Physical

We all know about his offensive acumen. The 18-year-old has been putting up buckets of points for the Rimouski Oceanic. Over his three-year QMJHL career, Lafreniere has 297 points in 173 games. He put up 112 points in 52 games during a shortened 19-20 season.

He’s an incredible forward who is expected to have a great rookie season for the Rangers in terms of production.

But he’s not just a guy who puts up points. Lafreniere has a bit of a physical edge to his game.

The 6’1″ winger who is said to tip the scales above 200lbs by the time of the 2020 draft, can use his frame to his advantage and isn’t afraid to use it down low along the boards. He’s also not shy to lay a big hit.

Something Team Canada teammate and New Jersey Devils prospect Kevin Bahl spoke about last December.

"“It’s crazy when you see Alexis Lafreniere throwing big hits,” added Bahl, whose team’s second game of the tournament goes Saturday against Russia. “He’s got the hands, he’s got the skill. Now he’s going to outwork you in the corners, strip you of the puck, take it to the net. It’s just a totally different dynamic. You don’t see a lot of guys do that.”"

With ten points in five games at the World Junior Championship this season, Lafreniere doesn’t crumble in a big game like a rivalry night between the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders.

He’s got a bit of an edge as well. Lafreniere was suspended for three games last season after getting his elbow up to Thomas Caron’s head back in January.

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It’s clear that the Rangers got one hell of a player in Alexis Lafreniere. And the New York Islanders are going to see plenty of him over his career.