The Rangers selected Gabriel Perreault with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Here’s what you need to know…
By the Numbers
2022-23 Team: USNTDP Juniors
Date of Birth: May 7, 2005 (18)
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 165 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Right wing
Stats: 63 GP, 53 G, 79 A, 132 PTS, 8 PIM, +79
Prospect Overview
Elite Prospects: He’s got great hands and sees the ice exceptionally well. The puck is on his stick for a stride or two, just long enough to draw a forechecker, then it’s on the tape of a teammate in motion with space. Perreault is a deceptive, adaptable, pacey playmaker who always makes the right choice with the puck. He can sequence plays, put pucks into space, and problem-solve against numbers with relative ease
The Hockey Writers: The son of long-time NHLer Yanic Perreault, Gabe Perreault is a highly-skilled, offensive-minded winger who has a variety of tricks in his arsenal that makes him a threat on the power play. His offensive abilities bleed into both playmaking and shooting, but I think he’s more of a pass-first player. He is good at reading plays and making quick, smart decisions in the offensive zone, and has great vision.
Why Perreault makes sense for the Rangers
Going with the best player available approach, Chris Drury and the Rangers got themselves a steal in the first round. Not many expected Perreault to hang around until the 23rd overall pick, but there he was for the Blueshirts.
The 18-year-old winger offers tremendous upside coming off a historic season with the USA Hockey National Team Developmental Program, where he played under a new assistant coach. Dan Muse.
Perreault broke the team’s single-season scoring record which was previously held by the NHL All-Star Austin Matthews. He averaged around two points per game and needed just 63 games to record a total of 132 points (53 goals, 79 assists).
He is committed to playing for Boston College, so we likely won’t see him in the NHL for a couple of years. For now, though, he’ll continue developing his game at the collegiate level.
Perreault’s skating is his biggest weakness, but he offers big-time skill and playmaking ability. No one puts up 132 points in a season by accident.
NHL Comparison
NHL.com: Jake Guentzel