The New York Rangers will not release 2020 No. 1 overall draft pick Alexis Lafreniere to Team Canada to compete in the upcoming world juniors, Hockey Canada confirmed Thursday.
"After ongoing discussions with the New York Rangers, Hockey Canada has been informed that Alexis Lafreniere will not be released to represent Canada at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton. Although we are disappointed Alexis will not be able to join our team for world juniors, we understand and respect the decision made by the Rangers," said senior vice president of Canada's national teams Scott Salmond.
Salmond said last week Lafreniere joining Canada is "not out of the question."
Lafreniere dominated the event in 2020, leading Canada to a gold medal and winning tournament MVP after posting 10 points in five games.
This year's tournament is scheduled to begin Christmas Day.
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