After much anticipation, Gabe Perrault’s NHL debut went as expected

The New York Rangers playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. With only seven games remaining, they are still tied with Montreal at 79 points for the second wildcard spot.

The Rangers are starting to get this freight train moving, with two straight wins after dropping five of the previous seven games. The story of Wednesday night’s victory over the Minnesota Wild wasn’t the comeback or the overtime winner from Vincent Trocheck, but the debut of the next rising star of the Rangers. That’s the hope, at least. 

Former 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Gabe Perreault, made his NHL debut in front of a ruckus at Madison Square Garden. 

Take a lap, rookie

It all started with that special occasions that most new NHLers get to experience — the Rookie Lap. 

Perrault, wearing no. 94 like his father, Yanic, wore for the better part of his NHL career, took the ice in front of friends and family. It is the first time since the late Derek Boogaard wore that number in 2011. 

The long-awaited reveal of Perreault was finally here, but how did he fare in his first game? Was he able to keep up with the best players in the world?

Lived up to the Hype

On the second line alongside J.T. Miller and Alexis Lafreniere, he registered three shots on goal in 13:38 of ice time. He also had two giveaways, so not everything was all sunshine and rainbows. 

Perreault looked comfortable from the jump, especially with this nearly golden opportunity with Lafreniere in the first period.

Throughout the game, he had some ups and downs, but that is to be expected from a newcomer. Growing pains are all a part of the process, and Perrault had very few mistakes in his first venture in the NHL.

The Blueshirts won, and Perreault was awarded the Broadway hat for his efforts. What a start to his career, and the future certainly looks bright for the 19-year-old.