New York Rangers forward opting out of future contract negotiations

It's a common tactic for young players to bet on themselves as they feel that they are ready for the next step in their careers and hope that their breakout years will translate into better numbers. Lafrenière is entering his final year of his deal that's worth $2.325 million per season.

Next year he will be a restricted free agent but with arbitration rights which means the Rangers will need to offer him more or he may walk. There's also the possibility that a team could offer sheet him which is not likely, but it can happen.

He had a monumental playoff as he played sixteen games, scoring eight goals with six assists for 14 points and was a + 2. His regular season was equally impressive as he had played 82 games, scoring 28 goals with 29 assists for 57 points and had 40 penalty minutes with 17 minutes and 16 seconds of average ice time.

Head coach Peter Laviolette decided to place him with Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin which ignited that line and propelled him forward.

Anything could change this offseason, but it's unlikely as this generation of players like see what they're made of and prove to management that they are worth more than what they're willing to be paid for.

Source: Pro Hockey Rumors