Up or Down: What Should the Rangers Do With Gabe Perreault?

Since Gabe Perreault made the jump from Boston College to the New York Rangers, there has been a nonstop debate on what to do with him. Whether they should be giving him top minutes to develop with the Hartford Wolf Pack or give him some run in the NHL, no one can seem to agree on what to do with the 2023 first round draft pick. With Perreault being sent back down to Hartford after being called up and only playing three games, this discussion has been rejuvenated.

Since being drafted, Perreault has been widely regarded as one of, if not the, best player in the Rangers' prospect pool. He has a strong hockey IQ and sees the game at such a high level, making him a threat while on offense. His successful development is one of the most important steps in setting up the Rangers up for success down the line.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to developing players, it is essential to look at a number of factors before determining what is the best course of action. For Perreault, there is a case for both options, making the choice a bit more difficult.

What it primarily comes down to is, will he benefit more from top minutes in the AHL or from NHL experience?

Why Keep Him in Hartford?

The American Hockey League is a developmental league, and that is exactly what Perreault needs to do: develop. So far he has notched five goals and five assistsfor 10 points in 10 games played with the Hartford Wolf Pack. That point-per-game pace has Perreault tied for highest among rookies in the AHL with a minimum of ten games played. With top-line minutes comes top-line opportunities, and he has made the most of them.

Regardless of the matchup or how successful the team is doing or any other factors, Perreault will almost always be on the top line and the first power play unit when he's with the Wolf Pack. The same can't be said for when he's up with the Rangers. In order for him to perfect his game and maximize his potential, this is the exact kind of experience he needs.

Perreault also still needs to grow physically, which being in Hartford allows him to do while taking less of a beating. One of his biggest knocks on Perreault from the time he was drafted until now is his size. He only stands at 5-11 and 179 pounds, making him undersized but NHL standards. Time with Hartford presents a chance for him to put on some muscle before having to deal with the beasts of the NHL.