After his recent demotion to the fourth line and being healthy scratched on Thursday night, Alexis Lafrenière has reportedly been the subject of trade interest lately. According to Ali Murji, the Rangers have received calls on Lafrenière but aren't necessarily ready to part with him right now.

However, if there is indeed a rift between player and coach, who knows what they're willing to do? Besides, the Rangers definitely want to win now, and perhaps Lafreniere is the cost of landing a big fish ahead of the trade deadline. Would they really do it, though?

Murji writes: "Source tells me teams have started calling on #NYR Alexis Lafrenière, doesn't look like any move is coming in the next few days though. Also told if a deal were to happen the Rangers are looking for a first and/or a top end player. Now again, I highly doubt the Rangers get this package this is just what I'm told."

Murji is responsible for several jersey leaks which were confirmed after he reported on it, so this is a somewhat proven source. Although, while this individual has been successful on the jersey front, it remains to be seen if their front office sources hold up as well.

In 171 games so far, Lafrenière has 69 points with another 9 points in 20 playoff games. His production hasn't reached the projected heights for which he was drafted, but he's still been a fine NHLer in his first two-and-a-half seasons.