Why Rangers’ Alexis Lafreniere might still approach stardom

The book is supposedly out on New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere as he enters his seventh NHL season. The…

By Tom Castro · Forever Blue Shirts

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 6:12 PM

Key Things to Know

Tom Castro argues Alexis Lafreniere can still reach NHL stardom by following the late-blooming career paths of other forwards.
Lafreniere recorded a hat trick and an assist in a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders.
The writer notes Sam Reinhart, Martin Necas, and Pavel Buchnevich made major developmental leaps around ages 25 and 26.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Tom Castro of Forever Blueshirts argues that New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere could still develop into a star as he enters his seventh NHL season. Lafreniere recently showed strong form with a hat trick against the New York Islanders, playing alongside Mika Zibanejad and Gabe Perreault under head coach Mike Sullivan.

Castro compares Lafreniere's non-linear progression to the career arcs of Sam Reinhart, Martin Necas, and Pavel Buchnevich, who each broke out around age 25 or 26. Sullivan highlighted Lafreniere's growing defensive maturity, trusting him in late-game situations as his role expands following Artemi Panarin's departure.

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Why Rangers’ Alexis Lafreniere might still approach stardom

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