New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere will be a healthy scratch for Thursday’s game against the host Tampa Bay Lightning.
Rangers coach Gerard Gallant announced Thursday morning that Sammy Blais will suit up in place of Lafreniere, the top overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft.
Lafreniere, 21, was demoted to the fourth line in practice earlier this week. He registered one shot on goal and a minus-1 rating in 13:14 of ice time during New York’s 4-0 loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday.
Lafreniere has just 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 36 games this season and 69 points (36 goals, 33 assists) in 171 career games with the Rangers.
–Field Level Media