The New York Rangers, just before the team reported to training camp, watched other organizations signed some of their young players. That's because Tuesday was the deadline for teams to sign their players to eight-year contracts, as the new collective bargaining agreement would limit the maximum term on a contract to seven years.
For Rangers fans, they were wondering if general manager Chris Drury would try to sign promising young forward Gabe Perreault to a contract extension He's set to be a restricted free agent after this upcoming season, so signing him to an eight year deal would ensure they don't have to worry about his status with the team. But, Rangers reporters indicated that Drury was not considering a deal with Perreault before the start of training camp, as the two sides haven't had many contract negotiations. So, the eight-year deal is out the window.
By not trying to negotiate a deal, the Rangers watched the Washington Capitals raise Perreault's asking price for contract negotiations.
Capitals might have set Gabe Perreault's market with Ryan Leonard contract
Shortly after the Ottawa Senators signed Drake Batherson to his eight-year deal, the Capitals sent shockwaves throughout the NHL. The team announced they signed young forward Ryan Leonard to an eight-year, $84 million contract extension.
The signing was shocking, as Leonard was set to hit restricted free agency next summer, and he only had 84 games to his credit. But after a 45 point season (20 goals, 25 assists), the Capitals decided they wanted ot keep Leonard around long-term, and likely be a focal player for their future.
Of course, the annual salary stands out, as $10.5 million per year is a lot for a player who only logged the equivalent of one season of playing time. But as we've seen this offseason, keeping good young players around long-term got more expensive, especially after the Macklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard, and Leo Carlsson contracts. That, and the salary cap is rising yearly, so at some point, a $10.5 million per year deal will be considered the new "affordable contract."
Still, keeping Perreault around got a lot more expensive.
Gabe Perreault is entering a pivotal second full season with the Rangers
Perrault had his first extended stay with the Rangers last season, after receiving just five games of play in the 2024-25 campaign. Perreault didn't put up the numbers like Leonard did this past season, but he showed his worth with his all around game. Eventually, he climbed his way up to the top line, where he built chemistry with Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere. That line outscored their opponents 14-10 late last season, and made fns feel some confidence that half of the top six was in good shape heading into the offseason.
In 49 games, Perreault scored 12 goals and recorded 15 assists. His production increased after the Olympic break, where he scored nine goals and dished out 10 assists in 25 games played.
Entering training camp, Perreault is expected to be in the top six forwards group. There will be debate as to whether or not he will remain on the top line with Zibanejad and Lafreniere, or if he will be bumped down to the second line in favor of Pavel Dorofeyev, a player they gave up significant draft capital and signed to a seven-year, $77 million contract to be their top scorer. Wherever he does line up, he is expected to take a huge step forward in production. If he is to steamroll past his points total from last season, that would be welcome news for the Rangers, as he could be a significant piece of their future.
However, if that does happen, they'll likely have to pay him near Leonard money to keep him around long term.
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