Why thinking less could help Gabe Perreault ‘work at top speed’ in bid to land Rangers roster spot
Gabe Perreault’s talents and vast skill set run deep. That’s why the young forward will get a long look at New York Rangers training camp to see if he’s ready to make the opening-night roster at the age of 20.
Chief among those positive traits is Perreault’s extremely high hockey IQ. Talk to a hockey scout or talent evaluator and they’ll tell you that’s what really sets Perreault apart from other young players. That’s the superpower which allows all of Perreault’s other skills to blossom.
But it didn’t quite appear that was in sync during a five-game run with the Rangers after signing an entry-level contract following his sophomore season at Boston College.
“I was talking to a long-time scout, and I mean a long-time scout, and he said [Perreault] was late getting to the puck. Usually what that means for me … is that he needs to think too much when he’s out there,” hockey prospects reporter Russ Cohen of Sportsology told Forever Blueshirts on the RINK RAP podcast. “Gabe Perreault at the other levels didn’t have to think when he was out there. And that’s when he was most creative and made some great plays.”
Cohen is right that Perreault never struggled to produce at each stage of his journey to the professional ranks. That’s due in large part to the fact that Perreault’s mind was typically a step or two ahead of the opposition. And as such, he’d be a step or two ahead positionally on the ice, despite not ever being the biggest or strongest or fastest player.
But Cohen and the scout he referenced agree that the 2023 first-round pick seemed to be thinking a bit too much in his five NHL games late last season. Perhaps a bit of over-thinking? Paralysis by analysis? Or simply not letting it flow because of the big jump from the NCAA to the NHL?
Cohen is curious to see if the “old” Perreault emerges in training camp this fall.
“It’s the brain, it’s the processing,” Cohen explained. “Can he think it as fast as he wants to, to be able to be effective? Because he really isn’t a guy that has great defensive skills or a heavy forecheck. So, for those other things, he needs to work at top speed. So, that’s the question.”
Related: Gabe Perreault ready to ‘make the team, find a spot’ at Rangers training camp
‘Foot speed’ shouldn’t be an issue for Gabe Perreault trying to crack Rangers lineup
This is a very nuanced look into Perreault the player. Those who question whether he’ll be a star in the NHL one day, as opposed to a decent middle-six forward, often focus on his lack of size (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) and foot speed.
In fact, respected prospects expert Corey Pronman dropped Perreault from No. 52 to No. 160 year over year in The Athletic’s annual rankings of top NHL players and prospects under the age of 23, largely because of his below League average skating ability.
Cohen doesn’t agree with that assessment and believes Perreault is a much better skater today than when the Rangers drafted him.
“His foot speed is better. I think his foot speed is good now,” Cohen stated. “So, I don’t think that’s the issue. I do think when you have to think out there and you kind of have to power through guys to make that play, I think that was taking the stuffing out of him [in the NHL].”
Cohen did say that Perreault “couldn’t power through to get the puck where he needed it to be, guys were standing him up” in his first taste of the NHL. But he saw Perreault last week at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase and was impressed.
“I knew he wasn’t strong enough [last season],” Cohen said. “I think he looks stronger. He’s 5-7 pounds heavier, more muscle. I saw it in person. I think he’ll be stronger this year. He’s still not going to be where he’ll be 2-3 years from now.”
After a busy offseason, which included working out with future Hall of Famer Patrick Kane, Perreault will take part in Rangers rookie camp, beginning Wednesday. Coach Mike Sullivan and the Rangers brass would love to see Perreault dominate in practice and the two games against Philadelphia Flyers rookies this weekend.
Then comes the big test. Training camp begins next week, with preseason games soon to follow. We’ll see then if Perreault is ready for a full-time NHL role. If not, he’ll head to Hartford of the American Hockey League to adjust further to the pro game.
That’s not the worst scenario. But let’s see if his mind and physical ability are in sync, and, if so, how he fits in playing against grown men. It’s a fascinating journey. And you better believe Sullivan and Co. will be watching closely.
“It’s a hard league. It’s the hardest league in the world for a reason,” Cohen offered. “Just let him take his course, give it time.”
