2025 Rangers Season Previews: Gabe Perreault

This article is part of an ongoing series of Rangers Season Previews, taking a close look at what we can, and should, expect from each member of the 2025-26 New York Rangers. To read other articles in this series, go here.

Even two years after his draft, Gabe Perreault remains the hottest New York Rangers prospect. Pundits and fans alike have been falling over themselves to define what he could become for the organization, whether that means a future as a prolific NHL scorer or a bust due to some key skills not being sharp enough for the big league. The truth is, the Rangers haven’t had a prospect like Perreault in a long time—perhaps ever. The sky seems to be the limit. He’s been an electrifying scorer at every level, but still appears not to have done enough to secure himself as a highly regarded prospect universally. His first full professional season will serve as an excellent test of how prepared Perreault is to adapt to the pace of professional hockey.

Previous Performance

Perreault has scored in bunches in almost every situation he’s been in. During his draft year, he starred on the USNTDP’s top line with Will Smith and Ryan Leonard, two prospects regarded as being of a higher pedigree than Perreault. However, it was Perreault who shattered Auston Matthews’ single-season points record with 132 points in the 2022-23 season. This achievement is often cited to highlight Perreault’s scoring ability, but his offensive accomplishments didn’t end there.

He helped Team USA win back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championships, posting the same stat line of 3 goals and 10 points in 7 games each year. In between those gold medals, he starred for the Boston College Eagles, helping their program sustain its high standards and rank as the top NCAA team in the country, casually scoring 60 points as a freshman and joining the ranks of Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, and others. While Perreault may not ever reach that lofty plateau as a player in the NHL, the young forward deserves recognition for those accomplishments.

As a somewhat less exciting sophomore season at Boston College ended on a disappointing note in the quarterfinals of the Frozen Four at the hands of Denver, the young winger decided to turn pro and signed his first contract with the Blueshirts. After being scratched for several games, he played in five matches as the season came to a close. Peter Laviolette’s deployment of Perreault was confusing, as the team had sacrificed the first year of his ELC, but with one foot out the door, Laviolette wasn’t focused on developing the next generation of Rangers. Perreault was scoreless in those five games but demonstrated his smart and creative ability to take control in moments with a few skillful passes that weren’t capitalized on.

Expectations

Perreault is expected to enter training camp and compete for a spot on the NHL roster. The Rangers made several moves this offseason, and with many of their prospects looking to make their mark and both previous and new depth signings in place, the team has not guaranteed a roster spot for Perreault. To secure a permanent place in the NHL, Perreault will need to keep pace with the game's speed and physicality, as his skating and size have historically been the main criticisms from doubters, who believe the lack of those skills and traits will ultimately prevent him from becoming an effective NHL player. To stay in the league, he will need to score and positively impact the game while ensuring he’s not a defensive liability.

Predictions

It’s difficult to predict where Perreault will end up with a new coaching staff in place. Will they value the pedigree and hype surrounding Perreault as he enters training camp, or will every player be given the same fresh start to make an impression? Sullivan typically ices the best lineup and doesn’t automatically favor youth or hype. So with this being Perreault’s first professional season, I think he’ll likely have an up-and-down training camp and preseason but ultimately be cut and spend most of the year with the Hartford Wolf Pack. How he reacts and rises to that challenge will determine his future within the organization. With his skill set, Perreault should approach a point-per-game pace in the AHL during his rookie season and strive to earn a spot with the Rangers when they need reinforcements.

Conclusion

Perreault is a playmaker, pure and simple. His bread and butter is helping his team put the puck in the net. To do this effectively in the NHL, he will need to be given the right opportunities and ice time. That’s not guaranteed for the rookie winger, as the Rangers have several forwards etched into the depth chart ahead of him with a big, bold, sharpie. I’m not saying Perreault wouldn’t be able to find a way to get it done. But the Rangers, throughout their history, have often bobbled the development of their prospects, and Perreault could absolutely benefit from a season in Hartford. With that luxury available to the team, it's in everyone's best interest to allow him the time and space to continue his development. With the Wolf Pack, he could get uncontested top six minutes, power play time, and a longer leash to try and adapt his creative touch in a higher-stakes setting.

Interviews with Perreault and other young Rangers have begun to go viral as the Rangers' rookie camp kicked off this past week. Perreault discussed the ten pounds of muscle he’s put on, and while that’s a start, it may not be enough to win those board battles he’ll be engaging in. Another year developing under the Rangers’ watchful eye could do the kid wonders. There’s no need to rush him.