I have to admit I am very puzzled about this conversation in general. Due to one person the discussion seems to be incessantly focused on not playing Lafreniere on PP1 = ruining his career which also = the Rangers have issues as a team due to Lafreniere not being on PP1. I can honestly tell you this is maybe the most pointless conversation I have seen in a very long time.
If you want the reality, here it is:
1. Lafreniere should be on PP1 at this point, BUT the fact that he is not really is not a major issue for the team overall, and is not the cause of, or the solution to the issues the team has.
2. Mika is a huge problem for this team. The guy doesn't play a strong energy type game you need from your # 1 C, he refuses to shoot the puck (especially at even strength), and he has essentially become a PP specialist, that is all. Not only do you need more from your # 1 C, but he is also stealing money for what he has become. I do think Lav should be tougher on him, because without a top-level Mika the Rangers cannot win a Cup (even with him at top-level they are not Cup favorites).
3. The Rangers top issues are softness, D zone coverage/discipline, and play at even strength. None of those issues are solved by Lafreniere playing on PP1. Whether he does or not, and again I think he has earned the opportunity, is not going to solve the main issues this team has. That is why big picture it is really a pointless conversation focused on the wrong thing.
That's the reality of the Rangers, and until those issues are solved the team will not win a Cup.