Rangers’ Perreault Aims to Follow Kreider’s Path to NHL Success

GREENBURGH, N.Y. — New York Rangers‘ 19-year-old forward Gabe Perreault is set to make his NHL debut on Wednesday against the Minnesota Wild, following a standout collegiate career at Boston College. Perreault’s signing came just days after he played his final college game, a 3-1 loss in the NCAA regional final against the University of Denver.

Perreault, the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, reached out to veteran Chris Kreider, who shared a similar journey from Boston College to the Rangers. Kreider, selected 19th overall in 2009, made his NHL debut days after winning the NCAA title, initially stepping into a playoff race. “I remember it being a bit of a whirlwind,” Kreider said. “One minute you’re familiar with your surroundings playing college hockey, and then 24 hours later you’re in an NHL practice.”

As Perreault prepares to join a Rangers team contending for a playoff spot, he finds himself in a similar situation. The Rangers entered Tuesday tied with the Montreal Canadiens for the last Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, with Perreault poised to provide an offensive boost. “It’s been a crazy couple of days, but super exciting to help these guys,” Perreault said.

During his last season at Boston College, Perreault exhibited impressive skill, scoring 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists) in just 37 games. His exceptional performances also included back-to-back gold medals with the U.S. at the IIHF World Junior Championship. “He’s played in some high-level hockey, and he’s succeeded in all of it,” head coach Peter Laviolette said. “This is the next step and the biggest step.”

In his first practice with the Rangers, Perreault skated alongside noted playmaker Alexis Lafrenière and veteran J.T. Miller, indicating the team’s expectation for him to contribute significantly. “Watching him play, you see the hockey sense, the skill and ability,” Laviolette noted, adding that this practice is just the starting point.

Kreider’s advice to Perreault emphasized enjoying the experience: “Enjoy it and have fun. It is a whirlwind.” With a backdrop of increasing stakes for playoff positioning, Perreault enters his first game at Madison Square Garden with insight from a veteran who understands his journey.

The Rangers are banking on Perreault’s transition from college to the NHL being a seamless one, despite the known challenges. Laviolette acknowledged that while some players acclimatize quickly, others may need more time. “The only way to find out is to find out,” he said.

As anticipation builds for Perreault’s debut, he is ready to step onto the NHL stage, continuing a proud tradition of successful transitions from Boston College to professional hockey.