Alexis Lafreniere enjoying a career year with the Rangers

After several years of underperforming, it appears that the 22-year-old first round first overall choice in 2020 is enjoying a career year with the Rangers.

The left winger who stands at six foot 194 lbs had a tale of two seasons as his first half was rather dismal with several pundits and fans asking for his trade to happen.

General manager Chris Drury felt that he needed to keep him along with head coach Peter Laviolette as he put him together with Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin.

That move paid off in dividends as Lafreniere has enjoyed a great breakout season with 77 games played, scoring 26 goals with 28 assists for 54 points and is a + 1. He is well above his best year of 39 points through 81 games last season and his ice time average has gone up almost 3 minutes per game.

Alexis Lafreniere has been rounding out into form and should be a force during the first round of the playoffs.

The team has been firing on all cylinders as of late and appears to be ready and poised for a long playoff run and a potential Stanley Cup final.

The Rangers continue to hold their grip on the Eastern Conference with 108 points through 77 games.

With 52 wins and a goal differential of plus 50 it's likely the Rangers will be the presidents trophy winner by the end of the season.