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Proposal between the Red Wings and Rangers sees a first overall pick on the move


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Julien Trekker
January 15, 2026  (4:50 PM)
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Dec 23, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafrenière (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

An intriguing trade proposal between the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Rangers involving a first overall pick has emerged online.

The 2025-26 season looks like another one to forget for the New York Rangers.
The team is currently eighth in the Metropolitan Division, with a 20-22-16 record.
In the past two games at Madison Square Garden, fans have been vocal about their opinion of the way the team is being managed by Chris Drury:
It looks like the Rangers are poised to make some changes to the team in the months leading to the trade deadline.
After making many trades in the past years, they simply haven't been able to build any momentum despite hanging on to key players such as Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Alexis Lafrenière.
Lately, many rumors suggested Panarin would end up leaving the team as his contract expires at the end of the season, but new developments suggest another one of those key players will get traded.

Detroit Red Wings Linked To Rangers First Overall Pick Alexis Lafrenière In Trade Proposal

Alexis Lafrenière hasn't had the emergence expected from him, leaving many analysts to believe he could benefit from a fresh start.
This season, in 48 games, the 24-year-old forward has 26 points, including 10 goals, with a -15 +/-.
The player has been honest about his season so far in a recent interview with The Athletic:
"I feel like overall this year, it hasn't been good enough. I think I can play at a better level."

"I've been playing with some good players and the numbers are not where you want them to be.

It's frustrating, for sure. You never want to be in that spot where you want more points out of yourself, but I guess you've got to keep working and keep competing. We still have a decent amount of hockey here. It's not too late."

It'll be interesting to see if the Rangers trade him despite his diminishing value, or decide to work with Lafrenière to help him achieve his potential.
According to a new report, the Detroit Red Wings could be open to get him on the trade market, in a proposed one-for-one deal involving Marco Kasper.
Kasper has also been struggling this season, with only six points, including three goals, in 47 games.
In my opinion, it would be surprising to see the Rangers agree on that deal. Lafrenière has a higher ceiling and could be much more useful than Ksaper in New York.
Where the Wings could conince the Rangers is with the financial argument. Detroit has the cap space to acquire Lafrenière and his seven-year, $7,450,000
AAV contract.
Would you make that deal?
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JANVIER 15   |   77 ANSWERS
Proposal between the Red Wings and Rangers sees a first overall pick on the move

Would you like to see the Detroit Red Wings trade Marco Kasper for Alexis Lafrenière?


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