Rangers Alexis Lafrenieres big extension draws jokes from linemates

Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck couldn’t help but make jokes.With their linemate, Alexis Lafreniere, just signing a seven-year, $52.15 million extension with the Rangers, the two jesters rattled off one quip after another about how they deserve a cut.Trocheck first said he would take 5 percent while Panarin could get 10.Apparently, Panarin said a helicopter would do.

And if that was the case, Trocheck said he’d be OK just getting a ride in Panarin’s helicopter.As much as Trocheck and Panarin have helped elevate his game, however, Lafreniere has been no passenger since joining forces with the two 11 games into last season.The 2020 first-overall pick has enriched the line with his own brand of skills and flash, earning every cent of this new contract that kicks in next season.“It’s been both ways,” head coach Peter Laviolette said before the Rangers defeated the Ducks, 2-1, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

“It’s been all three players lifting each other, in my opinion.”Lafreniere said conversations between his agent and the Rangers began to pick up during training camp.They intensified the past couple of days before both sides came to an agreement Friday.

It sounded like there were differently structured options on the table, but seven years at $7.45 million per was the one they liked the best.The 23-year-old said you can’t help but think about your pending restricted free agency a little bit, so he was happy to get it done with.Now, he can just focus on the season and helping the team win.Asked what he would’ve said two years ago — when No.

13 struggled to translate his game to the NHL level and faced “bust” narratives — if he knew he would eventually sign this long-term deal, Lafreniere couldn’t help but smile.“I would’ve been fired up,” said Lefreniere, who notched an assist in the Rangers victory.“I am today.

It’s great, it’s a long deal.I love playing here, so it’s really good for me to stay for a...