For decades, nearly every young hockey player has dreamed of the day that their name will be called out by an NHL® team on Draft day. Only a few lucky prospects fulfill that dream every year and only one can be taken first overall.
In the case of exclusive Upper Deck spokesman Alexis Lafrenière, that dream became reality at the 2020 NHL Draft as the New York Rangers announced that he was now part of their organization following an incredible junior career. While the draft itself was held remotely, there was plenty of cause for celebration due to the excitement surrounding the young star in the making.
Lafrenière’s path to the pro ranks picked up steam a little over three years earlier when he was chosen first overall in the 2017 QMJHL Entry Draft by the Rimouski Oceanic after starring for his hometown St-Eustache Vikings.
An instant hit on the ice with his new club, Lafrenière also quickly earned the attention of hockey card collectors by appearing in the 2017-18 Upper Deck CHL collection. Thanks to an 80-point freshman campaign, he received several honors which included Rookie of the Year for both the CHL and QMJHL.
Refusing to rest on his laurels, Lafrenière did not suffer from a sophomore jinx in 2018-19 and eclipsed the 100-point mark for the first time. His efforts resulted in QMJHL Most Valuable Player and CHL Player of the Year honors and the buzz heading into his draft-eligible year had scouts and fans chattering about his vast potential.
A final campaign with Rimouski was shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it did not stop him from having one of the best junior seasons in recent history. Leading all QMJHL skaters with 112 points, he added a wide array of awards to his collection which included a second straight CHL Player of the Year nod. With the Rangers winning the NHL Draft Lottery, there was little doubt that he was destined to play on Broadway.
Alexis Lafrenière Young Guns card available in 2020-21 Upper Deck Series 1 Hockey
Lafrenière’s coveted Young Guns card was added to 2020-21 Upper Deck Series One. This created much excitement among collectors and created huge demand on the market.
A few weeks after the Young Guns card was released, Lafrenière made his NHL debut against the New York Islanders on January 14, 2021. Two weeks later, he scored his first career goal to secure an overtime victory over the Buffalo Sabres, and that moment is captured perfectly in a signed piece from Upper Deck Authenticated dubbed “The Show 1st Goal”.
Upper Deck Authenticated Framed Print — Alexis Lafrenière Autographed “The Show 1st Goal”
Over the next two seasons, Lafrenière showed growth in all aspects of his game and made strong contributions as the Rangers returned to postseason contention. The 2023-24 campaign, however, served as a bit of a breakout as his role within the club expanded. Often found on the team’s top line, he set new career marks with 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points. Shooting the puck more often, five of his tallies were winners which ultimately helped the Broadway Blueshirts to a President’s Trophy as regular season champions.
Once the playoffs began, Lafrenière demonstrated the type of impact he can have in high-pressure situations. Over the first two rounds, he racked up 10 points over 10 games which included a two-goal outing against the Carolina Hurricanes. In the Eastern Conference Final, he was one of New York’s best performers while facing the Florida Panthers.
>> View LaFreniere’s entire memorabilia collection, here. <<
