NHL Rumors: Chris Drury, Rangers make crucial decision involving star prospect Gabe Perreault amid playoff push

Though the New York Rangers remain fully focused on the race for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, a new decision has landed on General Manager Chris Drury’s desk. According to recent reports, the organization has made a final call on the next step for 2023 NHL Draft first-round selection Gabe Perreault.

Following Boston College Eagles’ elimination from the NCAA Division 1 Tournament during the Elite Eight round, star Perreault’s collegiate journey reached its end, with the 19-year-old set to make the jump into professionalism, forgoing his remaining two years of eligibility in college.

However, with the Rangers in the midst of an intense playoff race in the NHL, Drury and Peter Laviolette must determine whether they’ll make use of the young prospect or if they should delay the contract signing until the fall.

Drury and the Rangers find themselves in a tough spot. The Boston College standout and his camp are eager to sign his entry-level contract (ELC) as soon as possible, aiming to burn a year off his three-year rookie deal.

Yet, the Rangers may be hesitant to make that commitment, as some within the organization reportedly have concerns about Perreault’s size and how he’ll adapt to the NHL, according to USA Today reporter Vince Mercogliano.

Final decision

According to reports, New York’s GM Chris Drury has reached a firm decision on the matter. “Rangers top prospect Gabe Perreault will sign his entry-level contract this week,” ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan stated.

The Rangers’ hand of cards

While the Rangers are at a crossroads regarding their decision on Perreault, the organization in The Big Apple still has a fair share of alternatives. On the one hand, they could sign the Eagles’ star to his ELC, but have him spent the rest of the season in the AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Leaving Perreault unsigned until the offseason seems out of the window at the moment, as the Rangers could risk losing the young star’s interest.

Fresh start

In what appears to be his final season in Chestnut Hill, Perreault helped lead his team to the Elite Eight, where the Denver Pioneers crushed their championship hopes with a 3-1 defeat.

Now, Perreault is set to become a Broadway Blueshirt, with the organization hoping to develop their talented prospect into an NHL star—though recent trends suggest otherwise when it comes to the Rangers’ youth development.