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Could Potential No. 1 Pick Alexis Lafreniere Choose Europe Before NHL?

Insider Bob McKenzie noted that buzz surrounding the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the next NHL Entry Draft could pose for an interesting dilemma.

On the most recent episode of TSN Insider Trading, the panel took a look at a few topics surrounding the NHL’s return to play situation. Insider Bob McKenzie noted specifically, that buzz surrounding the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the next NHL Entry Draft could pose for an interesting dilemma.

With the NHL playoffs possibly delayed until July or August, thus the start of the 2020-21 season delayed until November or December, what does that mean for players like the consensus first-overall pick in Alex Lafreniere? This will be an extremely long wait to join a professional hockey club.

McKenzie notes that it might be asking Lafreniere and other top picks in this year’s draft to be too patient. He adds that Lafreniere may make another stop before joining the NHL:

“When is the National Hockey League going to begin the 2020-21 season? October? November? December? Even January? We don’t know. On top of all that, where’s Alexis Lafreniere going to play this fall if the NHL season isn’t happening until January and the draft isn’t until October or November? Is the CHL going to be playing? Is the American Hockey League an option? We don’t know at this point. But one thing I can tell you – Emilie Castonguay the agent for Alexis Lafreniere is looking at all the options on the table and that will include seeing if the European club teams are up and operating in September and October.”

Would That Mean Lafreniere Can’t Join NHL?

There are still far too many questions to know where this would go exactly but one would assume Lafrienere or any top pick wouldn’t want to jeopardize their chances of being drafted high or not being able to play in the NHL right away. Thus, if the European leagues were open and these picks joined them, an out clause would likely be worked into any deal.

Related: Why Fans Shouldn’t Expect NHL Trades Quite Yet

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