Gabe Perreault aims to stay with the Rangers this season

Gabe Perreault’s Journey into the NHL

In March, Gabe Perreault realized a significant dream when he was selected by the Rangers as a right wing in the first round of the 2023 draft, 23rd overall. Shortly after, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team.

He made his NHL debut on April 2, appearing in five games for the Rangers last season—definitely a trial by fire. Fast forward a few months, and he’s back at it, participating in the Rangers’ Development Camp for Prospects.

At just 20 years old, Perreault is already distinguishing himself among his peers, thanks to his NHL experience and notable achievements from his time as a sophomore at Boston College.

This summer, he’s focused on gaining weight and building muscle. He’s training in Chicago with a group that includes Patrick Kane, who is often referred to as the best stick handler in the world. It seems like he’s in good company.

Perreault expressed his determination: “I’m here to build a team mentality. I’m going into camp with that mindset.” He added that he’s prepared to tackle it all this summer.

To impress the new coaching staff, he’s concentrating on the “little things” like puck battles, defensive coverages, and skating techniques. Notably, Perreault reached out to head coach Mike Sullivan shortly after his appointment, but their conversations have mostly been introductory at this point.

“Whatever they need from me, I’m ready to step up,” he stated. His goal is simply to find a role and contribute to the team’s success.

During his freshman year at Boston College, the Sherbrooke, Quebec native collected a remarkable 60 points, with 19 goals and 41 assists across 36 games. This impressive performance placed him second nationally in assists and fourth in total points.

Last season, he recorded 48 points, comprising 16 goals and 32 assists in 37 games, earning a spot as a Hockey East First Team All-Star.

Additionally, Perreault played a significant role in winning consecutive gold medals for Team USA at the 2024 and 2025 IIHF World Junior Championships.

Although he grew up around the NHL—being the son of a former player, Yannick Perreault, who enjoyed a 14-year career—the experience of stepping onto the ice at that level was still somewhat surprising for him. “A bit,” he admitted, describing it as a humbling experience. “I think I’ve done a lot of things well overall, especially defensively. But I’m looking to make an even bigger impact.”

In his initial stint in the league, he found himself up against playoff teams—like the Devils, Wild, Lightning, and the Stanley Cup champion Panthers.

Throughout those five games, he managed five shots out of ten attempts and garnered six penalties, averaging nearly 15 minutes of ice time per game while donning number 94, just like his father.

“It’s tough. You don’t truly understand how difficult it is until you’re in it,” he shared. “But I’m really glad I got that experience. It’s definitely going to aid me in preparing for camp.”