QUEBEC CITY – During the recent playoffs, Alexis Lafrenière gained experiences that he believes will help him reach a new level this year.
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The “youth trio” he formed with Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil helped Rangers reach the Eastern Association Finals. New York lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games.
The Quebecer accumulated nine points, including two goals, during the spring session. The 6-foot-2, nearly 200-pound forward was notable for his intensity and ability to dish out shoulder punches.
“I learned to play with men, that’s what I improved the most,” said Lafrenière during his meeting with the media at the last Gagné-Bergeron Pro-Am. You have to be ready every night and take your game to a new level.
“The series is a simple and physical ‘game’,” he specified. I was just trying to play my style. We had a good complicity with our trio. It was boring losing in the third round but it was a good run for us. That gives me confidence for the next season. We have a similar team and the same veterans. Things are looking good for us. We have to keep playing like we did in the playoffs.
The first pick in the 2020 draft certainly wants to play a major role in the Big Apple this season.
“I want to do more for the team,” said the striker, who turns 21 in October. No matter my line, I’ll be ready.
Trouba, an easy choice
Lafrenière also had good words for defender Jacob Trouba. The American recently became the 28th captain in team history.
“It’s a very good choice,” he said. It’s a pretty easy choice, although there were a few good candidates. He is a leader who is always there to defend his teammates. He’s playing right. Off the ice he is a pro. […] He doesn’t hesitate to take control and speak his mind at team meetings.