The New York Rangers locked up a key piece of their lineup for the next seven seasons, signing forward Alexis Lafreniere to a lengthy extension worth $52.15 million (AAV of $7.45 million). But could he have secured more money had he decided to hit the open market in the summer?

Lafreniere, speaking publicly for the first time since the deal was announced Friday night, said he was “happy to be done with it, and fired up to stay for seven years.’’ Currently playing in the final season of the two-year bridge deal he signed in 2023, he said it was nice to get a new contract settled early, so now he can focus on the season.

The New York Rangers locked up youngster Alexis Lafreniere to a contract extension. But here's why Lafreniere's deal won't impact the Rangers' contract talks with goalie Igor Shesterkin.