Gabe Perreault set to ‘take the next step’ with Rangers in likely NHL debut against Wild
It’s not confirmed yet, but there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that Gabe Perreault will make his NHL debut for the New York Rangers on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden against the Minnesota Wild.
The 19-year-old forward skated on a top-six line with J.T. Miller and Alexis Lafreniere on Tuesday, one day after signing his entry-level contract with the Rangers and two days after his Boston College Eagles were knocked out of the NCAA Tournament, losing 3-1 to defending national champ Denver. He also practiced on the second power-play unit, rotating in with Will Cuylle, to play with Lafreniere, Jonny Brodzinski, K’Andre Miller and J.T. Miller.
“It wasn’t an easy decision at all,” Perreault said about turning pro after two seasons at Boston College. “Leaving those guys (at BC), a lot of my best friends — brothers for life. So, it wasn’t easy, but I just thought it was the time to take the next step. I thought, with my brain, I was definitely ready.”
As for his likely NHL debut Wednesday?
“Definitely excited. Obviously a little bit nervous, but that’s part of it. It’s expected,” Perreault said. “I’d be super grateful and really thankful for everyone that’s helped me get to this point.”
Expectations are high for New York’s first-round pick (No. 23 overall) in the 2023 draft. He had 108 points in 73 games at Boston College and was second on BC this season with 48 points, including a team-high 32 assists and five power-play goals.
He also helped the United States win consecutive World Junior Championships in 2024 and 2025, notching 10 points in seven games in each tournament.
Not only extremely skilled offensively, Perreault is known for his high hockey IQ. He’s a smart player with special awareness and on-ice vision.
Perreault should benefit from from having skilled linemates like Miller and Lafreniere to start out with. Plus those two — especially Miller — should open up the ice for Perreault, who’s not not as physically big and strong as they are. He still has room to grow physically but is currently listed at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds.
“It’s a starting point,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette explained after practice. “Just watching him play, and we saw him play a couple times live — watched on TV — you get an opportunity to see somebody play. You see their hockey sense and their skill and their ability. It’s a chance for him to come in and show what he can do. … I think ‘Laf’ thinks a lot like he does, and J.T.’s a guy that’s been around a long time and could really help mentor and mold somebody out on the ice.”
Laviolette sounded like he believes the teenager won’t be out of place when he steps on the ice to play in the NHL.
“When the game comes, he’s played at some high level hockey, when you think about his career and what he’s done, and he’s succeeded at all of it,” Laviolette said. “But this is the next step and the biggest step … you’re talking about the best of the best when it comes to this league, now it’s another step, another challenge for him. But he’s answered those challenges along the way.”
Related: Peter Laviolette reveals ‘own personal scout’ when Gabe Perreault was in college
Rangers rookie not setting ‘any crazy expectations’ for his NHL debut
Gabe Perreault – Photo courtesy Alan Selavka
Perreault joins the Rangers at a critical time in their season. The Rangers (35-32-7) have eight games remaining in the regular season and right now are on the outside looking in at a playoff spot. They’re tied in points with the Montreal Canadiens, but Montreal sits in the second wild card for the Eastern Conference because it’s played one less game than New York. The Columbus Blue Jackets are two points back, with two games in hand on the Rangers; and the Islanders and Detroit Red Wings are three points behind the Rangers with games in hand.
As Laviolette stated, “We’re sitting where we sit and I think everyone in the room knows where we’re at, and it’s about making sure we win and collect points. That’s a major priority for us.
The coach likes that Perreault has played — and excelled — on the big stage before. Maybe not in an NHL playoff race, but he’s been in championship games at the international level and in college, including last season when Boston College lost the national championship game to Denver.
Though Perreault will have some nerves, he sounded like he’s taking a measured approach to this big opportunity.
“Obviously you want to make an impact, but I’m not trying to set any crazy expectations and all that,” the youngster explained. “I’m just trying to make my linemates better, make my teammates better, and help the team win.”
When asked if the listing Rangers, 4-7-2 in their past 13 games, could get a positive jolt from their top prospect joining the lineup, Laviolette smirked.
“We would love that.”
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