Lafreniere back in lineup with new NY Rangers lines

The NY Rangers have new lines again, with Alexis Lafreniere back in the lineup on the third line with Filip Chytil and Jimmy Vesey after a controversial healthy scratch.

Of note, Kaapo Kakko stays on the top line, and Vitali Kravtsov also stays in the top six. Most iterations of this top-nine works, as the bottom four forwards are the guys who should be on the fourth line. Expect some kind of rotation with Sammy Blais, Johnny Brodzinski, and Julien Gauthier as well, which is fine given it’s the fourth line.

Vesey and Chytil with Lafreniere to help account for his defensive deficiencies and play away from the puck is a good idea. Both can cover for Lafreniere, while Laf’s pure skill should help generate some offense for that line. If sheltered, they can do serious damage.