The New York Rangers have finalized a seven-year contract extension with forward Alexis Lafrenière, valued at $52.15 million, with an annual cap hit of $7.45 million. Lafrenière, the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has shown considerable improvement, posting career-highs last season with 28 goals and 57 points, and a strong playoff performance. This extension reflects the Rangers' confidence in Lafrenière's development and importance as a core team member. The deal positions Lafrenière’s salary just below that of other top picks like Juraj Slavskovsky, setting the stage for future negotiations with star goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Lafrenière's early struggles have been overshadowed by his recent success, making the extension a potentially valuable investment for the Rangers as he continues to realize his potential.