Amid a dramatic NHL season, the New York Rangers signed star prospect Gabe Perreault to his entry-level contract (ELC). After joining the organization, the former 2023 first-round selection is expected to make his long-awaited debut against the Minnesota Wild on April 2. Ahead of the game, head coach Peter Laviolette announced a key, yet surprising decision about the 19-year-old.
The Rangers are in a jam-packed race for the last wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, battling with five other NHL teams for essentially one seat. The Rangers cannot afford any more setbacks, and must build on on their recent 6-1 win over the San Jose Sharks.
Up next, the Wild will walk into Madison Square Garden in a matchup with huge postseason implications for both sides. Laviolette hopes Perreault’s addition to the lineup provides a big morale and energy boost to the Broadway Blueshirts, who need to ride high spirits toward the regular season finale.
As the big date arrives for Perreault’s debut, Laviolette surprised many fans and media reporters in attendance during New York’s practice. Laviolette shuffled the forward lines for the rookie, who is trending towards making his first NHL appearance against Minnesota.
Head coach Peter Laviolette of the New York Rangers speaks with the media at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Perreault was placed on the Rangers’ second forward line alongside J.T. Miller and Alexis Lafrenière, according to The New York Post’s Mollie Walker. Laviolette’s trust and excitement in the Boston College Eagles prospect are evident, as he also deployed Perreault on the second power-play unit.
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Laviolette explains decision
While many were surprised about the big confidence vote from Laviolette to Perreault, the head coach in The Big Apple voiced a strong statement.
“I think Laf thinks a lot like he does, and JT’s a guy that’s been around a long time and could really help mentor,” Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette said, via USA Today’s Vince Mercogliano. “It’s a starting point.
“Just watching [Perreault] play, and we saw him play a couple times live, you get an opportunity to see somebody play. You see their hockey sense and their skill and their ability. It’s a chance for him to come in and show what he can do.“
J.T. Miller #8 of the New York Rangers skates against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the TD Garden on February 01, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Butterflies in the stomach
On the eve of what could be the first game in a long NHL career for Perreault, in an iconic venue like Madison Square Garden, the rookie made his feelings clear with a strong admission.
“Definitely excited. Obviously a little bit nervous, but that’s part of it,” Perreault said, per Mollie Walker on X. “It’s expected. I’d be super grateful and really thankful for everyone that’s helped me get to this point.“
SurveyWill Gabe Perreault record his first NHL point during the 2024-25 season?
Will Gabe Perreault record his first NHL point during the 2024-25 season?
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About potentially making his NHL debut at MSG, Perrault said: “It’s definitely something I’ve dreamed of growing up, especially ever since I got drafted. Obviously the history behind the building and everything, it’s super exciting. If that opportunity comes, it’s definitely going to be special.”
