New York Rangers got it right with Gabriel Perreault draft selection
By Marvin Azrak
Time will tell, but it looks like the New York Rangers got themselves a steal with the 23rd pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. New York selected right winger Gabriel Perreault from the US National Development program.
The 5-11 165-pound 18-year-old was widely projected to go in the upper half of the first round, and some mock drafts even had him in the top 10. But he fell to 23, and the Rangers pounced on him.
Perreault is a talented dual threat in the offensive zone who can pass and shoot. He has a great sense of play and works hard off the puck.
He is one of the draft’s best players operating within the offensive zone. Perreault understands the importance of setting up his teammates by moving the puck across the offensive zone and does it frequently.
Under the tutelage of new Rangers assistant coach Dan Muse, the Sherbrooke Quebec City native had 132 points in 63 games for the under-18 team, breaking the point record and 50 points in 51 games for the USA U17 team.
He did it with draft picks Will Smith(4th, San Jose Sharks) and Ryan Leonard(8th, Washington Capitals). He was a threat on the power play using his efficient playmaking and careful shot selection.
He’s got exceptional hockey IQ and soft hands and, despite his small size, doesn’t struggle to finish at the net. The ESPN broadcast dubbed him the “smartest” player in this loaded draft class.
He could be better defensively, but he hustles and works hard to create turnovers. His skating needs work, and he must bulk up a bit.
Gabe is the second son to father, a former NHL player Yanic. He doesn’t have as lethal of a shot compared to his brother Jacob who was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2020.
But Perreault can potentially be a top-six player if the Rangers develop him correctly.
Gabe is committed to Boston University for the 2023-24 season.
However, the Rangers’ brass deviated from their usual ethos with this pick.
It’s great to see they took the best player available to them as opposed to picking according to position of need which is at center and defense . That’s a correct first round mentality.
DRAFT GRADE: A