Overview
- Mike Sullivan confirmed the demotion as performance-based and used the new lines in Monday’s 4-2 loss to Seattle, with Lafrenière on the third unit.
- Gabe Perreault was elevated to the second line and Brennan Othmann drew in, reinforcing Sullivan’s message that opportunities will go to players who make an impact.
- Lafrenière accepted responsibility for his play and said coaches want him driving the net, screening, hunting rebounds, and holding pucks longer to create.
- The 24-year-old has nine goals and 15 assists through 47 games after signing a seven-year extension worth about $7.45 million annually in October 2024.
- New York has dropped four straight and sits near the bottom of the Metro, prompting external trade chatter around Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Lafrenière without any reported deals, while Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin remain on injured lists with status unchanged.