Despite a disappointing final stretch to their season, the New York Rangers found a positive in the NHL debut of promising prospect Gabe Perreault. Although the 19-year-old used up a year of his entry-level contract by playing in five games, the experience proved valuable for both him and the organization.
“It definitely helps,” Perreault said about his first taste of NHL action. “All five games were against playoff teams, so getting that exposure will help me prepare this summer, knowing better what to expect.”
Though Perreault didn’t register any points, he showed flashes of his talent, recording three shots in his debut against the Minnesota Wild and creating several scoring opportunities. Over his five games, he logged a total of 72:11 in ice time, with his shifts ranging from just over 13 minutes to a little more than 16 minutes per game. His hockey sense and playmaking ability were evident, but he’ll likely need a full training camp and preseason to fully adjust and potentially secure a spot on the regular roster next season.
The Rangers also had Perreault observe a few games from the press box toward the season’s end — a move that drew some criticism but one the young forward appreciated.
“Watching from above was helpful too,” Perreault said. “The communication throughout was great, and I’m just really grateful for the opportunity.”
