PHILADELPHIA — Before the Rangers took the ice Monday for morning skate, Alexis Lafrenière already was out there. He practiced his net-front tips, one after the other, with assistant coach Ty Hennes for his current position on the top power-play unit.
But Lafrenière putting in the extra work before morning skate isn’t exactly a sight that’s been synonymous with his six seasons in New York.
That’s not to say it’s never happened before; it surely has. Every player has a different approach and is entitled to their preferred routine.
Since the Rangers drafted him first overall in 2020, however, Lafrenière’s work ethic has been questioned as he’s struggled to find consistency in the NHL. It’s only become more relevant since he signed a seven-year, $52.15 million extension in October 2024.