The NHL draft is an exciting opportunity for hockey fans and players across the globe. For New York Rangers fans, this time of year is particularly special as the Blue Shirts selected first overall in the draft. 

The NHL draft was originally set to take place in Montreal, QB; however, it shifted virtually due to the current global pandemic. On October 6th, 2020, the Rangers selected Alexis Lafrenière with their first pick in the draft. Having the draft in-person would have been the icing on the cake for the near-obvious first overall selection, Lafrenière, as he hails from just outside the city of Montreal.

Lafrenière has an extraordinary record to justify his pick. As Captain of Rimouski Océanic in the QMJHL, the same team Sidney Crosby played for, Lafrenière put up 112 points in just 52 games! It seems as if Lafrenière is a team player as well, because 77 of those points were assists. 

Alexis also boasts an awe-inspiring World Juniors U20 performance. Although he suffered an injury for a portion of the tournament, he was team Canada’s second most prolific player with 10 points in just 5 games. Not to mention, he also took home a gold medal. 

The future for the New York Rangers seems bright now that Alexis is joining the team. He tells MSG Networks, “For me, it’s a huge honor, and I am so excited to join this amazing team and amazing franchise. I’m going to enjoy the night for sure, but right now, I’m kind of speechless.”

Brooke Marotti’21, Co-Executive Editor-in-Chief