Gabe Perreault ready to ‘make an impact’ with Rangers next season after getting taste of NHL

While there wasn’t a lot to be excited about for the New York Rangers in the final month of this lost season, one bright spot was the debut of highly-touted prospect Gabe Perreault. Though the 19-year-old burned a year of his entry-level contract to suit up in five games for the Rangers, it was a worthwhile experience and gave player and team a taste of what’s to come.

“It definitely helps,” Perreault said of his NHL initiation. “I played against some good teams. I think all five games I played in were against playoff teams. I think getting that experience, to see what it’s like a little bit, definitely helps me going into training this summer, knowing a little bit more of what to expect.”

Perreault didn’t register a point in those five games, but he certainly flashed his vast skill set at times. He recorded three shots on goal in his NHL debut April 2 against the Minnesota Wild, and created scoring chances for his linemates.

He played a total of 72:11 in the five games, ranging from a low of 13:06 to a high of 16:01. There were signs of Perreault’s high IQ and playmaking ability, but it will likely take a full camp and preseason before he can truly settle in to a regular NHL role, should he make the team next season.

The 2023 first-round pick also got to watch some games from the press box over the final stretch for the Rangers. Scratching him was a controversial move in the eyes of many, but the young forward saw it as a valuable learning experience.

“Seeing from up top was also good,” Perreault said. “I think the communication overall was great. Just really overall thankful for the opportunity I was given.”

Gabe Perreault looks to add size, speed this summer

So what comes next for Perreault as he looks to become a mainstay in New York’s lineup?

“Just getting physically stronger,” he said. “Doing everything I can to put myself in a position to be ready at camp to make the team and make an impact.”

Putting on a bit of size would work wonders for the son of longtime NHL center Yanic Perreault, who is listed at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds. He’s the lightest player on the Rangers’ roster.

There’s no need for the young forward to add a ton of muscle, but getting stronger and faster would really help his game, as his playmaking and IQ are already at such a high level. More speed and added strength would make things easier for him when it comes to making plays, avoiding injury and preparing for the grind of an 82-game schedule.

“I think (putting on size and muscle) has always been a thing for me growing up,” Perreault explained. “That, and I think trying to get faster. Build my base, especially for my legs. Just trying to become more powerful, a better skater and overall stronger.”

If Perreault can do those things, he should make an impact for the Rangers in 2025-26. He’s found success at every level he’s played at, including 108 points in 73 NCAA games during two seasons at Boston College, as well as 20 points in 14 games while helping the United States win back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championship in 2024 and 2025.

Making the jump to the NHL is a tall task — one that many recent Rangers prospects have struggled with. Let’s see if he indeed can make that impact he promised.