The New York Rangers selected Gabriel Perreault with the 23rd pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, following his exceptional draft season with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP). Perreault set a new point scoring record by amassing an impressive 132 points over the course of 60 games.
Perreault’s Prowess: Dominating the Ice in His Draft Plus One Season
Gabriel Perreault, after being drafted by the Rangers, continues to showcase his exceptional talent alongside his former USNTDP linemates, Will Smith and Ryan Leonard, at Boston College. Smith and Leonard, who were selected 4th overall by the San Jose Sharks and 8th overall by the Washington Capitals respectively, have reunited with Perreault, creating a formidable trio in the collegiate hockey scene.
In his “draft-plus-one” season, Perreault has been a standout performer, amassing 50 points in 35 games and leading college hockey in points per game. He is second in overall scoring to Smith, who has slightly edged him with 51 points in 36 games. This synergy among the trio, stemming from their time at the USNTDP, has translated seamlessly to Boston College, making them a force to be reckoned with on the ice.
Vision on the Ice: Perreault’s Playmaking Mastery
Perreault’s mastery over the puck and his exceptional hockey IQ shine brightly every time he hits the ice, a fact that was unmistakably showcased during the Beanpot tournament semifinal against Boston University. In a display of sheer skill and tactical acumen, Perreault took possession of the puck at the blue line, effortlessly orchestrated a zone entry, and executed a seamless give-and-go with Smith. This brilliant play culminated in a prime scoring opportunity for Perreault, which he capitalized on by firing the puck into the net.
Skating: The Final Frontier for Perreault’s NHL Aspirations
Perreault’s remarkable talents in playmaking, puck handling, and hockey intelligence are undeniable qualities that could have easily secured him a top ten spot in his draft class. However, a glaring deficiency in his game —his skating ability— casts a shadow over his otherwise stellar skills. Elite Prospects critiques Perreault’s skating, describing him as “a top-heavy skater with a wide stride” who struggles to utilize his outside edges effectively. This limitation severely hampers his ability to navigate through intense defensive pressure, whether along the boards or during sustained offensive zone plays.
Brock Otten of McKeen’s Hockey echoes this sentiment, pointing out that while Perreault exhibits decent linear movement and can accelerate well north/south, his lack of agility and sophisticated edge work restricts his capacity to sidestep opponents and maneuver in tight spaces (From “McKeen’s 2023 Draft Guide,” McKeen’s Hockey, June 9, 2023).
Related: Rangers’ Adam Sýkora: Developing Star & Trade Deadline Asset
Perreault’s skating deficiency will significantly hamper his effectiveness on the ice at the NHL level, pinpointing a crucial aspect of his game that requires development. To make a significant impact in the NHL with the Rangers, it’s essential for him to focus on enhancing his skating skills. Improvements in agility, edge work, and overall mobility would not only complement his already impressive playmaking abilities and hockey IQ but also elevate his game to meet the high standards of professional hockey. Moreover, by refining his skating stride, Perreault could unlock his potential to become an elite NHL forward. This development would transform him into a more dynamic and versatile player, capable of navigating through the league’s intense competition and contributing significantly to his team’s success.
The Road Ahead: Perreault’s Journey Toward NHL Excellence
Perreault’s journey from a record-setting season with the USNTDP to a prominent role at Boston College underscores his exceptional talent and potential for a successful NHL career. With his outstanding playmaking abilities, hockey IQ, and scoring prowess, Perreault has already made significant strides towards becoming a key player for the Rangers. However, his path to NHL stardom is not without its challenges.
His skating, identified as a critical area for improvement, stands as the primary obstacle in his transition to the professional level. By committing to the improvement of his skating skills— emphasizing agility, edge work, overall mobility, and refining his skating stride — Perreault has the opportunity to overcome this significant deficiency and fully unlock his potential. This focused development is key to transforming his game, allowing him to navigate the fast-paced and physically demanding NHL landscape more effectively. As Perreault progresses, his success in addressing this challenge will be a decisive factor in determining his future status as an elite forward in the league.
The journey ahead is promising for Perreault, and with his remarkable skill set and the potential for growth, he is poised to make a significant impact in the world of professional hockey.
