Lafreniere's Post-Panarin Surge

0:00For the NHL, it's March 13th, here's what's happening. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an update. The New York Rangers stood pat at the 2026 trade deadline, but they shook things up right before the Winter Olympic break by sending star. Winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings for prospect, Liam Greentree and a third-round pick. Since then, young Ford Alexis Lafernier has taken his game to another level after years playing alongside Panarin. Lafernier entered the league as the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL draft and spent his early years in bottom six roles, posting solid, but unspectacular numbers, like 21 points as a rookie and 39, the next season. He broke out in 2023-2024 with career highs of 28 goals and 29 assists while lining up with Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. Last season brought high hopes after he signed a seven-year extension, but defensive issues plagued the Rangers and Lafernier slumped to just nine goals after a fast start.

1:04This year, he managed only 10 goals in 19 assists through 53 games despite the same mime-mates as the team's struggle to score. That changed fast after Panarin's exit on January 26th. Lafernier notched two goals and an assist in his next four games, then exploded post-elympic break with nine goals and six assists over 12. Outings, highlights include a hat trick against the Calgary Flames on March 10th, and strong showings versus Toronto, Philadelphia, and Winnipeg. Now thriving on the top line with Mika Zibaneshad and Prospect Gay Perote, plus the first power play unit, Lafernier has sparked a five win, one loss, two overtime record for New York. Fans see this hot streak as a real bright spot, hoping he stays consistent and avoids past lumps. We'd like to thank our sponsor for making this episode possible. Headphones in a pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com