Gabe Perreault ready to ‘make the team, find a spot’ at Rangers training camp
New York Rangers forward Gabe Perreault clearly was having fun at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase on Wednesday. But when it comes to attending his first Rangers training camp later this month, it’s equally as clear that Perreault is all business.
Speaking with reporters, the 20-year-old was straight to the point when discussing his objectives.
“I said it at development camp, that’s my goal to go in there, make the team, find a spot,” Perreault stated firmly.
Perreault is consistent with his messaging.
“I’m gonna go with the mentality that I’m gonna make the team,” he explained earlier this summer. “That’s what everyone’s mentality should be. So, like I said, I’m gonna do everything this summer — train hard, work on the little things I need to and come here to make the team.”
New York’s first-round pick (No. 23 overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft worked out with the likes of future Hall of Famer Patrick Kane this summer, preparing for his first camp. Perreault aimed to improve all aspects of his game, and picked the brains of the NHL players he trained with.
He played five games with the Rangers late last season after signing his entry-level contract, so Perreault knew specific areas he needed to focus on this offseason.
“I just think getting bigger, stronger, faster. Those were things that I worked on this summer, and I think that they got to improve,” Perreault offered Wednesday.
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Gabe Perreault eyes roster spot with Rangers after ‘cool experience overall’ at NHLPA Rookie Showcase
Photo courtesy of Russ Cohen, sportsology
With his offensive flair and high hockey IQ, Perreault projects to be more of a top-six forward than a third-liner. But if Mika Zibanejad starts the season on the wing, instead of center, Perreault may need to prove that he can thrive in more of a two-way role on the third line.
Then again, if he flashes the high-end skill he showed at Boston College for two seasons and in the past two World Junior Championships helping the United States win consecutive gold medals, Perreault very well could force his way into a top-six role.
That’s where he mostly played with the Rangers after he completed his NCAA career in March. Perreault didn’t record a point. But he didn’t appear overmatched either.
His competition will mostly come from younger players like Brennan Othmann, Brett Berard, and, perhaps Juuso Parssinen, should he be on the wing and not center. There are also veteran forwards like Taylor Raddysh, Jonny Brodzinski, and Conor Sheary, who’ll be in camp on a PTO.
Perreault is confident, though, and plans to play to his strengths.
“I think my brain, my hockey IQ has always been one of my biggest strengths and I’ll try and use that to my advantage,” he explained.
The event Wednesday, the 15th annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase at the Washington Capitals practice facility in Virginia, offered Perreault a fun diversion for a day.
“It’s a cool experience overall,” Perreault said.
But he eyes a much cooler experience, should he be able to break camp with the Rangers and be in the lineup opening night, Oct. 7, against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Sammi Silber contributed to this report. Follow her on X
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