Lafrenière’s two-way growth boosts Rangers’ top line
New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafrenière has improved defensively and leads the team with nine goals while playing alongside Mika Zibanejad for nearly the entire season through November 3, 2026.
Alexis Lafrenière’s defensive improvement has been a key part of his stronger play for the New York Rangers since late last season. The 25-year-old winger, selected first overall in 2020, has sharpened his attention to detail and contributed across all three zones.
Lafrenière has played on the Rangers’ top line with Mika Zibanejad in all but three games this season. The pair skated together in the final 22 games of last season and 47 times overall during that campaign.
With nine goals, Lafrenière was leading the Rangers heading into their Tuesday game against the Blues. Coach Mike Sullivan has emphasized using defensive play to generate offense, and the winger’s continued work with Zibanejad, whom the report describes as the team’s leading two-way skater, has coincided with his expanded role and increased production.