NY Rangers training camp takeaways: Alexis Lafrenière debuts at right wing on Day 1

TARRYTOWN - Despite all the talk about lineup experimentation, what we saw on Day 1 of New York Rangers' training camp should be close to what we'll see on opening night.

The Blueshirts were split into three practice groups at the MSG Training Center on Thursday, but it wasn't too hard to connect the dots.

It began in the morning with a potential top line of Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafrenière, with the No. 1 pick from the 2020 NHL Draft shifting from his natural left-wing spot to the right.

"It’s a little different," Lafrenière said. "You're much more on your backhand, I feel like, but you’ve got to be able to play on both wings and adjust to wherever you play. Me and Chris have talked about a little bit, and we both feel comfortable."

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Being out of his comfort zone became the norm for the 19-year-old last season.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Quebec native played his entire rookie year without seeing his family. He estimated they went "eight or nine months" without any in-person contact.

"It was difficult a little bit, but we were always playing, always practicing, so you don't think about it too much," he said. "But just to come back home and to see them, it was really fun, for sure."

Lafrenière impressed his older teammates by handling the unusual circumstances like a pro.

Kreider, in particular, has developed strong admiration for his new linemate.

"He is unapologetically himself," the veteran winger said. "He’s a bright, happy dude. He loves playing hockey. He loves being here. He’s quick with a joke and he’s very laid back – until the puck drops. He competes as hard as anyone that I've ever played with, and he's mature beyond his years on the ice, around the room. Being around him last year, his first year, he doesn't carry himself like an 18, 19-year-old kid."

That advanced approach, coupled with his high-level talent, fuels confidence that Lafrenière can handle playing on his off-side.

According to Gerard Gallant, there was no hint of hesitation or objection.

"(He) didn’t say a word," the new head coach said with a smile. "You know what those kids want? They just want to play. I don't think if I put him on defense he would say a word."

Whether Lafrenière sticks on the right side is to be determined. There's a chance Kreider could try switching instead, but either way, a trio featuring those two and Zibanejad seems likely.

Lafrenière had his best stretches while playing with the Rangers' No. 1 center, including a nine-game run to end the season in which he posted seven points (four goals and three assists). They connected a few times during Thursday's scrimmage, with one play resulting in a Zibanejad goal and another clanging off the crossbar.

"He's one of the best players in the league," Lafrenière said. "He's really smart and he's good on both (sides) of the puck. For a player like me, it's good to have a guy like that who really helps me."

The Rangers believe an opportunity to play top-line minutes could lead to a breakout season for Lafrenière. He should benefit from a regular offseason, which he said he used to get faster and shed a few pounds, and a full slate of preseason games.

He can also look forward to his family watching him play in person for the first time in nearly two years.

"He's looking great," Zibanejad said. "I feel like he's allowing his skill set to come out even more now. ... I'm super excited for him."

A glimpse at the rest of the lineup

With Kreider, Zibanejad and Lafrenière making up one half of the top six, the other top line featured Artemi Panarin, Ryan Strome and Kaapo Kakko.

There was some curiosity about whether Gallant would take a look at Panarin and Zibanejad on the same line, which still could happen. But his early preference is to keep the Panarin-Strome connection together.

"I read that all summer," Gallant joked. "You guys want them as a line. But seriously, we put some lines together and, you know, it's day one. We'll see where things go with that."

The third line featured newly acquired forward Barclay Goodrow playing left wing next to young forwards Filip Chytil and Vitali Kravtsov, while the fourth had gritty wingers Sammy Blais and Ryan Reaves flanking Kevin Rooney.

The top-two defensive pairs looked the same as last season — Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren on one, K'Andre Miller and Jacob Trouba on the other. The only difference was that the back of Fox's jersey read "Norris," an apparent gesture from his teammates to honor (and have some fun with) the reigning Norris Trophy winner.

"It's great stuff," Gallant said of the prank. "Guys are having fun with it, and he's a great kid. The guys are showing a little respect for him, but (taking) little jabs, also."

The third and final defensive pair appears to have Patrik Nemeth and rookie Nils Lundkvist as the leading men, but they were rotating with Jarred Tinordi and Braden Schneider.

Day 1 of camp was split into three groups, with the first two scrimmaging in the morning while the third practiced in the afternoon. Groups 1 and 3 will scrimmage at 10 a.m. Friday, with group 2 practicing in the afternoon.

'We have to make the playoffs'

With an accomplished head coach and another year of experience for Lafrenière, Kakko, Miller and others, it's quite clear the Rangers have raised their internal expectations.

That's why they went out and acquired playoff-hardened veterans like Goodrow, Blais, Reaves and Nemeth, who Kreider said "know what a winning culture looks like."

The Blueshirts haven't made the playoffs since 2017-18, but their leadership group is making sure everyone knows their top priority is ending that drought.

"We have to make the playoffs," Zibanejad said. "I feel like we have the team to do it and I think that’s something that we’re all aiming at. That's our goal. I don't see anything else. I don't know why you would play 82 games not to make the playoffs or be satisfied about being close, especially not with this group."

Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the New York Rangers beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Read more of his work at lohud.com/sports/rangers/ and follow him on Twitter @vzmercogliano.