In recent weeks, numerous rumors have been circulating linking Alexis Lafrenière to the Montreal Canadiens, a scenario that would excite many Quebecers.
According to Félix Forget from Dans les Coulisses, the New York Rangers might have a hard time refusing an offer sheet due to their high payroll. There's a strong chance that a team daring to make such a bid would succeed in getting the former first overall pick.
Currently a restricted free agent, Lafrenière will need to sign a contract before the start of the 2023-24 season. Teams interested in the Rangers player will need to act quickly, as they have a limited payroll space of only $2.3 million.
We could witness a scenario similar to that of Kotkaniemi. Let's recall that Jesperi Kotkaniemi was acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes thanks to a hostile one-year offer worth $6.1 million, which the Canadiens were not able to match. A similar situation could likely work for Lafrenière and the Rangers.
