New York Rangers’ 2025-26 Report Cards: Gabe Perreault

The New York Rangers had a frustrating 2025-26 season, as many of their star players underachieved, but the strong play of their rookies, including top prospect Gabe Perreault, was a bright spot. He earned a spot on the top line and made the most of his opportunity, consistently playing at a high level.

Perreault’s Performance in 2025-26

The Rangers drafted Perreault 23rd overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, and he had two excellent seasons at Boston College. He finished with 19 goals and 41 assists in 36 games in 2023-24, and 16 goals and 32 assists in 37 games in 2024-25. He then signed an entry-level contract and made his NHL debut with New York late in 2024-25, but was held without a point in five games.

Perreault began this season playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL). He quickly earned a call-up to the Rangers and had no goals and one assist in three games while getting limited ice time, and was then sent back down to the AHL. He had 10 goals and seven assists in 20 games with Hartford, and his impressive play earned him another call-up in December.

During his second stint with the Rangers this season, Perreault consistently generated scoring chances at even strength, and he earned a spot on the team’s top line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere. It took a few weeks for him to break out offensively, but once he did, he scored in bunches. He looked to hold on to the puck and make plays in the offensive zone, showing great vision to set up his linemates. He also capitalized on his own scoring chances, as he has a quick release and an accurate wrist shot.

In his final 23 games of the season, Perreault had nine goals and 10 assists, including his first career hat trick in a 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on April 4. While he is not a fast skater, he is smart and always seems to be in the right place. He was responsible defensively and produced offensively, finishing the season with 12 goals and 15 assists in 49 games.

The Rangers’ Young Forwards Provided a Spark

For years, the Rangers have been hesitant to trust their young forwards, but with the team struggling, they gave rookies like Perreault more ice time. He made the most of it and looked comfortable playing on the top line, even though he is still only 21 years old.

In addition to Perreault, Noah Laba did a nice job as the Rangers’ third-line center, as he was strong defensively, noticeable on the forecheck, and chipped in offensively. He was steady throughout the season and finished with nine goals and 15 assists in 74 games, while winning 50.8 percent of his faceoffs.

Late in the season, the Rangers called up rookies Adam Sykora and Jaroslav Chmelar, and both did a great job in bottom-six roles. They were aggressive on the forecheck, played with physicality, and consistently drove to the front of the net. Chmelar had four goals and two assists in 28 games, while Sykora had three goals and one assist in 11 games.

While Perreault led the way, there were multiple rookie forwards who showed promise this season, and it will be key for them to continue developing and improving next season.

Overall grade

Perreault gets an A- for his play this season. He improved throughout the season, and while it took some time for him to break through offensively, he was one of their best players late in the season. His play was a bright spot in a frustrating season, and he has the potential to develop into a star for the Rangers.