Rangers top prospect explodes in return from injury
Rangers top prospect, Gabe Perreault returned from a month-long injury on Friday night in a big way.
During Boston College’s 8-1 romp over UMAss, the 23rd overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft registered four points (two goals, two assists) including the eventual game-winning tally. With the victory, it sets up a big rivalry clash on Saturday night against Boston University in the Hockey East Championship game. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
“You want to win every trophy you can,” said former Rangers assistant and current BC head coach Greg Brown. “We have to take advantage of the opportunity and at least do everything we can to try and win that trophy.”
Related: Brennan Othmann on being labeled ‘untouchable’
Rangers prospect Gabe Perreault returns in a big way
What a season the 18-year-old from Hinsdale, Illinois is having as a freshman for Boston College. Even while nursing an undisclosed injury, Perreault was named to Hockey East’s All-Rookie team on March 13. He was also one of three unanimous choices along with teammate Ryan Leonard and Boston University forward Macklin Celebrini for the honor.
After his huge performance against UMass, Perreault upped his scoring totals to 54 points (17 goals, 37 assists) in 31 NCAA games this season. He’s also one of the most productive under-19 prospects in the last 30 years averaging 1.74 points per game. That has his name up there with Adam Fantilli (1.81) and Jack Eichel (1.78).
It’s no wonder why so many teams were asking about the prospect ahead of the recent NHL trade deadline that passed on March 8. Of course, any talks that brought up Perreault’s name and that od fellow forward prospect Brennen Othmann were shutdown by Rangers management.
“It’s been easy to focus on the task at hand,” Perreault told The Athletic. “It’s great to have the Rangers check in and they’re having a great season, but you have to focus on what’s in front of you.”
Should BC come away victorious in Saturday’s Championship game, Perreault can add it to his amazing list of accomplishments this season. That includes helping the United States win Gold at the 2024 World Junior Championship in Sweden by scoring 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in seven games.
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