Rangers’ Top Prospect Gabe Perreault Set to Join NHL After NCAA Exit

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Gabe Perreault, the New York Rangers‘ top prospect and 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is expected to sign his entry-level contract and make his NHL debut this week following Boston College‘s elimination from the NCAA Tournament.

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Perreault’s Boston College team was knocked out by the University of Denver in the regionals, clearing the way for the 19-year-old right winger to turn professional. The Rangers have not officially confirmed the signing, but multiple sources, including ESPN‘s Emily Kaplan, indicate his contract will carry a cap hit of $942,000.

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Details of the contract include a prorated base salary of $830,000 for the 2024-25 season, a $95,000 signing bonus, and performance bonuses for games played. For the following seasons, Perreault is set to earn a $855,000 base salary and additional bonuses.

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Over the last two years, Perreault has teamed up with fellow forward Ryan Leonard at Boston College, forming a highly productive duo in the NCAA. With 48 points this past season (16 goals, 32 assists), Perreault finished second in team scoring, a ranking that parallels his previous freshman year performance where he logged 60 points (19 goals, 41 assists).

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His 73 assists across the two seasons make him one of the top playmakers in college hockey, second only to Denver’s defenseman, who recorded 74 assists. Despite a quieter sophomore season compared to his freshman success, Perreault’s scoring prowess alongside Leonard has turned heads.

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Perreault, who stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs 178 pounds, has consistently been recognized for his exceptional playmaking skills and high hockey IQ. Former NHL goalie and current general manager of the U.S. National Junior team, John Vanbiesbrouck, praised Perreault’s abilities, stating, “I’m pretty sure about him.”

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As the Rangers contend for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, currently tied with the Montreal Canadiens at 77 points, the addition of Perreault is seen as a strategic move to enhance their scoring ability. The Rangers have struggled offensively, going 4-5-1 in their last ten games, and are in dire need of fresh talent.

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“He’s a bona fide playmaker with a lethal shot,” said Vanbiesbrouck. “The Rangers are in a playoff hunt, and adding Perreault could provide the boost they need.”

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Entering the crucial final stretch of the regular season, the Rangers must navigate one of the toughest schedules, facing formidable opponents including the Hurricanes, Lightning, and Panthers. In this context, Perreault’s potential debut could not be more timely.

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Rangers general manager Chris Drury has previously received numerous inquiries regarding Perreault’s availability but made it clear that trading the young prospect was not an option. With several players nearing free agency, the necessity for young talent like Perreault to step in is evident.

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As he prepares for his first NHL experience, questions surrounding Perreault’s ability to adapt to the NHL’s physicality remain. Nevertheless, analysts widely view him as a future top-six forward in the league.

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Although it remains to be seen how the Rangers will utilize Perreault in their lineup, there’s a strong likelihood he will feature prominently, especially with the roster’s pressing need for offensive support. His journey from college hockey to the NHL will be closely watched as the playoff picture unfolds.