NHL Rumors: Alexis Lafreniere extension talks with New York Rangers heating up

The New York Rangers are currently engaged in multiple contract negotiations, and discussions with Alexis Lafreniere are trending positively. NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman has noted that negotiations have "intensified" recently, suggesting there could be some closure in the next day or two.

Another report from Larry Brooks suggests the same, indicating that the Rangers are closing in on an extension for their star player. According to Brooks' sources, Lafreniere is going to sign a seven-year deal with an average annual value of roughly $7.6 million AAV for a $53.2 million rough total.

Lafreniere has started the season strong, recording at least one point in six of the seven games, with four goals and three assists to his name.

While the Rangers are on the verge of securing Lafreniere's extension, they are also trying to finalize a deal for goalie Igor Shesterkin, but they've been unsuccessful thus far.

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Rangers coach, Alexis Lafreniere discuss forward's play

Last week, after a brilliant goal helped lead the New York Rangers to a win, Alexis Lafreniere reflected on what was one of the best scores he's had in his NHL career.

Alexis Lafreniere has improved this year (Credits: Getty)

Lafreniere said via Daily Faceoff:

“Honestly, I was looking for Artemi [Panarin]. I thought he was going to open up for a shot, so I was going to pass it, and he went to the net, so I hold it a little longer and I’m just trying to hit the net with a lot of people in front of me.”

Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said this has been part of the player's impressive growth:

“That just kind of built from last year to him maybe being one of our best players in the playoffs. And some of the things he was doing in the playoffs, you have to be carrying some confidence to try and pull off some of the stuff that he did successfully. And he seems just to have picked up this year from where he [left] off last year.”

Now, the team is on the verge of locking him down so he can continue to grow with them.