What we learned at Wednesdays morning skate

The New York Rangers return to the ice today against the Minnesota Wild. The Wild will want these two points just as severely as the Rangers need to stay in the wild-card hunt in the Eastern Conference.

Here's four things learned at Wednesday's morning skate ahead of puck drop.

1. Rempe's Status

For the first time since he was listed as week to week on Thursday, March 27th due to an upper body injury, budding young forward Matt Rempe was on the ice for optional morning skate in a regular jersey.

Rempe played last Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Kings which is likely when he sustained his injury. Rempe fought Tanner Jeannot during the Rangers 3-1 loss on Tuesday, and went down hard after losing his balance. Most are speculating his upper body injury was sustained in this particular moment in reference.

On Tuesday night he was seen at practice wearing a green non-contact jersey, so seeing him back in a contract jersey is a wecome change. While according to New York Rangers Head Coach Peter Laviolette the 22-year-old forward won't see play against the Wild — it's likely he could return against the Devils.

Plus, Rempe seems to be back in good spirits and was giving Juuso Parssinen some fighting tips.

2. Gabe Perreault's Debut

As expected, Boston College alum Gabe Perreault, who signed his three-year and entry-level contract on Monday afternoon, will officially make his debut against the Minnesota Wild.

According to Laviolette, Perrault will be playing on a line with J.T. Miller and Alexis Lafreniere.

Perreault was originally selected by the Blueshirts in the first round, 23rd overall, of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year-old recorded 16 goals and 32 assists for 48 points in 37 games for Boston College in his sophomore season. He ranked tied for fourth among NCAA skaters in assists, eighth in points per-game (1.30) and tied for 11th in points. BC concluded their season at the Manchester Regional on March 30th when they fell to No. 3-seed Denver in a 3-1 fashion.

Perreault's locker is right next to fellow BC alum Chris Kreider, who made his jump to the NHL 13 years ago.

“I’ve talked to [Kreider] a little bit over the past few days, obviously, he was in a similar situation a couple of years ago," Perreault said. "Having him, another Eagle, is always helpful and just learning from him and all the other guys that can help me.”

3. Igor Shesterkin in Goal

Goaltender Igor Shesterkin is expected to start at home against Minnesota on Wednesday, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports. The Wild rank 28th with just 2.68 goals per game, so the highest paid netminder in the league has an opportunity to have a solid night.

4. Last Players on the Ice

All in all, the Rangers have a game to play tonight, with the Minnesota Wild (41-28-6) on Wednesday evening. The final Blueshirts on the ice ahead of the rapidly approaching 7:00 p.m., Madison Square Garden puck drop, were Zac Jones, Calvin de Haan, Rempe and Juurso Pärssinen.