Trying to Predict Alex Laferriere’s next contract

Option A, the bridge deal, would be the likely outcome. A bridge deal is a way for a player to bet on themself, and because of how well Laferriere is performing in a contract year, he will likely opt for this. Typically, a bridge deal for him could look like $4-4.5 million per year for three years.

The three years take Laferriere to the last year of his RFA status, and the Kings can decide whether or not they want to ink him to a long-term deal while still maintaining the leverage of owning his rights. $4 million may be a little less than what he is worth right now, but as stated above, he’d be betting on himself to improve and make more money down the line.

Laferriere’s 21 points in 27 games have had a big impact on the team this year, and his analytics reflect it. His on-ice shot attempts share percentage ranks second on the Kings this season, and his on-ice expected goals share ranks third. In regards to individual metrics, he’s third on the Kings in individual shot attempts and second in hits, so he’s proven himself to be a well-rounded asset for the team, and thus well deserving of this contract.

Option B, the instant long-term deal, is rather unlikely to happen. That would point to a couple of conclusions, with the first being Laferriere not thinking that he will get any better after a possible bridge. The other conclusion would be that the Kings would have less money to work with in the next few years, in what they’ve called their “contention window.” An 8-year deal for Laferriere would likely look like $6-6.5 million per year for eight years. 

A deal like this would leave the Kings with $2 million less in cap space over the next two years, and as General Manager Rob Blake and the rest of the front office have said, this is their opportunity to contend for a Stanley Cup. To bridge Laferriere allows for extra money to be spent on the rest of the roster, bolstering the team’s chances of winning a cup.

These predictions will change throughout the year. Stay tuned for new, updated articles throughout the season.