The Rangers made an intriguing addition on Monday, as they reached an agreement with top prospect Gabe Perreault on a three-year entry-level contract.
Perreault was in touch with GM Chris Drury quite a bit over the past couple of weeks -- and less than 24 hours after his sophomore season with Boston College came to a close in a Regional Finals loss -- he decided it was time to go pro.
“Obviously, it wasn’t an easy decision at all,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “Leaving those guys, a lot of my best friends and brothers for life, so it wasn’t easy. I just thought it was time to take the next step. I thought my brain was definitely ready.”
Veterans Chris Kreider and Vincent Trocheck reached out to Perreault following the news.
The youngster officially joined the team for practice on Tuesday morning -- and he found himself skating alongside Alexis Lafreniere and J.T. Miller on the second line and occupying the right wing on the second power-play unit.
“It’s definitely exciting,” Perreault said on potentially joining the lineup. “Obviously a little bit nervous -- but that’s part of it, it’s expected. I’d be super grateful and really thankful for everyone that’s helped me get to this point.”
Adding Perreault to the mix is certainly be a nice boost for the Blueshirts’ top-six over the final stretch of the season -- as he’s widely regarded as one of the NHL’s top prospects and has been among the elite playmaking wingers in college hockey.
The 19-year-old was spectacular during his freshman campaign at BC -- landing a spot as a Hockey East Second-Team All-Star after finishing second among Division I skaters in assists (41) and tied for fourth in points (60).
He took a bit of a step back production-wise this year, but still played a vital part on the Eagles’ high-powered top line, producing 16 goals and 32 assists alongside young stars James Hagens and Ryan Leonard.
He also shined during international play, putting together 20 points in 14 tournament games to help Team USA secure back-to-back gold medals in the World Junior Championships for the first time ever.
“He’s played high-level hockey and he’s succeeded at all of it,” Laviolette said. “This is the next and biggest step for him. You’re talking about the best of the best in this league. It’s another step and another challenge, but he’s answered all of those challenges along the way.”
It certainly will be a daunting challenge for Perreault as he joins the Rangers in the midst of a crowded and tight Eastern Conference Wild Card race with just eight games remaining in the regular season.
While expectations are high, he is just focusing on playing his game.
“I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help the team win,” he said. “Obviously, you want to make an impact, but it’s about not trying to do too much. I’m just trying to help my teammates, set them up and do whatever it takes to win.”
