There's no escaping the weight of being a No. 1 overall pick in the NHL—and for New York Rangers forward Alexis Lafrenière, that reality is becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

That pressure was on full display Wednesday when New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer—the most recent first overall pick—was unanimously named the 2025-26 Calder Trophy winner as the league's top rookie. It was the first unanimous vote for the award in 33 years, dating back to Hall of Famer Teemu Selänne in 1992-93. And to make matters sting a little more for Rangers fans, Schaefer plays for their biggest rival, just 19 miles from Madison Square Garden.

But the comparisons don't stop there. Across the league, other recent No. 1 picks are reaching superstar heights. Macklin Celebrini, the top selection in 2024 by the San Jose Sharks, just posted a 115-point season at just 19 years old and is a finalist for the Hart Trophy as league MVP. He was also named Team Canada's captain at the 2026 World Championships.

Jack Hughes (2019, New Jersey Devils) scored the Golden Goal for the United States at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics and has rattled off five straight NHL seasons with at least 26 goals, including a 43-goan campaign in 2022-23.

Over in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Juraj Slafkovský (2022, Montreal Canadiens) is making a major impact at just 22 years old after posting his first 30-goal, 70-point season. The Canadiens are battling for a spot in the Eastern Conference Final, but standing in their way are the Buffalo Sabres and their captain Rasmus Dahlin (2018, No. 1 overall), a Norris Trophy finalist as the league's top defenseman.

For Lafrenière, the talent is undeniable—but the shadow of what a top pick is expected to become grows longer with every passing season. Whether he can step into that light remains the defining question of his career.