Gabe Perot’s Pursuit in the Rangers’ Training Camp
Since joining the Rangers after his sophomore season at Boston University last March, Gabe Perot has been repeating to himself, “don’t hurry… don’t hurry,” as he navigates the challenges of the game.
Selected 23rd overall, he had a brief five-game stint last season. Initially, it was expected that he would spend the summer getting adjusted in the AHL to tackle the speed and physicality of professional hockey.
It almost seemed like a precursor to what could be the Wolfpack’s first line, as Noarava took the center position on the first day of camp, with Brett Berard skating on his left.
However, Perot stood out during the early exhibition games, particularly in the wins against New Jersey and Boston early this week.
While spots with the Rangers are quite limited, this 20-year-old is certainly making his presence known.
“Clearly, I believe Gabe has the talent for the NHL. He’s truly gifted for his age,” commented coach Mike Sullivan. “Being young comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to recognizing responsibilities in the defensive zone. As he grows more familiar with the game, I expect he’ll become stronger in critical situations.”
“He displays a solid hockey sense and plays with a lot of heart. He’s willing to engage in the tough areas of the ice. A bit more physicality would definitely be beneficial for him.”
Now, there’s a need for the management to evaluate whether playing a more supportive role in New York will enhance or hinder the progress of the 5-11, 180-pound forward compared to leading the Wolfpack.
There are lingering questions, like whether the Rangers rushed players like Carpocacco and Anderson in the past. The current management, including GM Chris Drury and the coaching staff, seems cautious not to make a similar mistake with Perot.
“I don’t feel he needs to be forced into a top-six role here,” Sullivan stated. “But getting adequate ice time is crucial for his overall growth—and ultimately, a major plus for the Rangers.”
“You know, younger players always present a dilemma. What’s the best approach for them to develop into the impactful players we envision? Is it more advantageous to play extensively in the AHL or the NHL? Honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that.”
“What I can say is that he has the potential to be a productive NHL player,” Sullivan added.
In other news, Alexis Lafrenière has consistently skated on the left side during the training camp. He’ll be part of the JT Miller-Mika Zibanejad combination for the upcoming preseason game. Meanwhile, Vincent Trocheck is expected to center Conor Sheary and Taylor Raddysh. Artemi Panarin, who has been sidelined due to a lower-body injury since the start of camp, has started skating again with his coach prior to official practices.
