With Gabriel Perreault now on board with the New York Rangers, there will be some interesting conversations regarding who comes out of the Blueshirts lineup to allow Perreault to make his debut. Perreault should not be implemented directly into a fourth-line role like the Blueshirts, which will create a debate about the lineup in the top nine. We'll see what changes, but the Blueshirts and Peter Laviolette will have a decision to make ahead of their game with the Minnesota Wild.
Fans will immediately want Perreault to be on top with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. Trust me, I understand why you want to see him in a role like that. Who wouldn't want to see an elite talent like Perreault play with the best players on the team? However, starting him in that role in his first NHL game will add pressure that he doesn't need as he adjusts to the NHL level.
A logical fit could be on the second line with J.T. Miller and Will Cuylle, but the same logic applies. While this line has more going for it because it works as a better replacement for Perreault's linemates at Boston College, there is still the issue of pressure building on the young man playing for a storied franchise like the New York Rangers. You want to isolate him a touch, and that seems high.
Now, where I'd like to see him is on the third line. Let him get his legs under him in a sheltered role down the lineup, not forever, but for the first game or two while he gets used to the NHL's speed and intensity. He won't be playing in a forechecking role, and playing with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad will give him some veterans to lean on and help him produce at the other end. But, it's ultimately Peter Laviolette's choice.