Gabe Perreault’s next big preseason test is now impossible for Rangers fans to ignore

The New York Rangers had a rather shocking showing on Tuesday night, where they blew a 4-1 third period lead to the Boston Bruins, and lost 5-4 in overtime. Even though it is just a preseason game, new head coach Mike Sullivan let it be known that it was still unacceptable.

One of the bright spots for the Rangers in the game was forward Gabe Perreault, the team's first-round pick in 2023. On Tuesday, Perrault scored his second goal of the preseason after scoring in the opening game against the New Jersey Devils. Sullivan sees great things out of Perreault, calling him an "NHL talent" and saying that he wants him to get minutes to really develop.

Well, on Thursday morning practice, Rangers fans got a glimpse of what the lines will look like for their game against the New York Islanders later in the night. According to Rangers reporters, including Vince Mercogliano of The Athletic, Perreault will be on the top line with team captain J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad.

Mike Sullivan puts Gabe Perreault on top line with J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad in preseason game vs. Islanders

Now that is a true big test for Perreault on Thursday night.

Just before training camp, Sullivan let it be known what his plans are for the top line. He wants Miller to be the center, with Zibanejad on the wing. In fact, Zibanejad let it be known he'd prefer to play on the wing. As for who would be on the opposite wing, it appears to be trending in the direction of Alexis Lafreniere.

This doesn't mean that Perreault is going to be on the top line entering this season or anything like that. This is a coach handing the 20-year-old top prospect with an opportunity to continue to prove himself.

Last year, Perreault mostly played at Boston College, where he scored 16 goals and dished out 32 assists in 37 games played. Perreault played five games for the Rangers last season, but didn't record a single point.

This is a huge opportunity for Perreault, and if passes the test on Thursday night, he may very well have a regular season roster spot locked in.