Gabe Perreault arrival to Rangers brings excitement, expectations for top prospect

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TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Every game that Gabe Perreault plays for the rest of the season will matter. The New York Rangers are in the middle of a wild-card race, fighting to keep their season alive.

The pressure of high-leverage games won’t be new to the 19-year-old Perreault, even if the NHL stage will be. He’s played in two gold-medal games at the world junior championships, winning both. And, just two days ago, he suited up for Boston College in a win-or-go-home NCAA Regionals game against Denver.

The Eagles lost, 3-1, ending both their season and Perreault’s college hockey career. The Rangers then signed Perreault, their top prospect and 2023 first-round pick, the next day.

“Obviously you want to make an impact, but I’m not trying to set any crazy expectations,” Perreault said to a larger-than-normal crowd of reporters in the Rangers’ dressing room Tuesday. “Just trying to make my linemates better and make my teammates better and help the team win.”

Perreault, who had 108 points in 73 career college games over two seasons in Boston, said choosing to leave college and his close friends there was not an easy decision. Ultimately, though, he believed it was the right time to make the jump. He believes he took a physical step in his sophomore season — the Boston College roster says he went from 165 pounds as a freshman to 178 pounds this year — and refined both offensive and defensive details in his game.

Perreault recounted frequently speaking with Rangers general manager Chris Drury over the past few weeks. He also quickly heard from new teammates after signing with the Rangers, including excited texts from Chris Kreider, a former Boston College player, and Vincent Trocheck.

“Unfortunate his (college) season is over,” coach Peter Laviolette said. “But fortunate for us, he’s now a member of the New York Rangers.”

The Rangers aren’t the only team impacted by Boston College’s early exit. Perreault’s Eagles linemate, Ryan Leonard, the No. 8 pick in the 2023 draft, signed with Washington on Monday. If the Rangers sneak into the playoffs, they’ll almost certainly play the Capitals. That could mean Perreault and Leonard take the ice against each other. Perreault said they talked a little bit about the possibility but were trying not to look too far ahead during the college season.

Based on Tuesday’s practice, Perreault will get an opportunity to show off his skill alongside quality offensive players. Laviolette did not confirm whether his new player will debut Wednesday against the Wild, but the coach put him on a practice line with left wing Alexis Lafrenière and center J.T. Miller, two of the team’s top offensive producers. Miller communicated often with Perreault during drills. Wearing No. 94 — the same number that his father, Yanic, wore most during his NHL career — the rookie also worked on the second power-play unit. All indications are that he will play.

“I think Laf thinks a lot like he does, and J.T. is a guy who has been around a long time and (can) really help mentor him,” Laviolette said. “It’s just a starting point, but I thought they looked good.”

Added winger Brennan Othmann: “He’s playing with two players who are looking to score goals and drive a line, and Gabe has the ability to find those guys.”

The 22-year-old Othmann has gotten to know Perreault at Rangers development camp over recent years, and they were in touch throughout this season. Othmann was rooting for his friend to win an NCAA title during the college season, but he also believes “he’s got a great opportunity” now that he’s turned pro. The two young forwards are both staying at a hotel while up with the team, and they hung out Monday evening after Perreault’s arrival.

The Rangers have traded away Kaapo Kakko, Jimmy Vesey and Reilly Smith during the season, which has opened the door for younger players such as Othmann, Brett Berard and now Perreault. Othmann enjoys having another young face around and, at past development camps, he quickly took note of Perreault’s playmaking abilities.

“When we were doing line stuff, he always seemed to find lanes under skates, sticks or whatever it may be,” Othmann said. “He’s not the biggest guy in the world, but I think that gives him a little bit of an advantage because he’s so shifty.”

“I think everyone in the room, everyone in the organization is happy he’s here, and he’s excited,” said Othmann, who added he’s happy to have another person to hang out with at the hotel.

Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier, who played with Perreault at Boston College in 2023-24, said earlier this season that the Rangers forward “can make plays out of his ass that I have never seen before.” Whereas Perreault put up gaudy offensive numbers throughout college, he knows he’ll have a tougher time at the NHL level. The speed of play jumped out in his first practice.

“It’s definitely going to be quicker, but hopefully I can make the jump,” he said.

“He’s played at some high-level hockey if you think about his career and what he’s done, and he’s succeeded at all of it,” Laviolette added. “Now it’s another step, another challenge.”

(Photo: Matt Krohn / USA Today)

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