Why 2026 brings even more expectations for Gabe Perreault

The future of the New York Rangers franchise is bright.

Between a new head coach and some of the top rookies in the league, it really does feel like the sky is the limit. One of these top rookies is 20-year-old Gabe Perreault. And while he didn't do much during the 2024-25 National Hockey League season, it feels like there's big things on the horizon for Perreault.

Here's some analysis on Perreault's play so far and some really early expectations for him for next year.

Gabe Perreault's 2024-25 season

New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced on Monday, March 31 that the Rangers had officially agreed to terms with forward Perreault on a three-year, entry-level contract.

Perreault was originally selected by the Blueshirts in the first round, 23rd overall, of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Flashing back to the present — rookies sacrificing the first year of their ELC is always a risky maneuver, but the Rangers forged right ahead.

In his five games Perreault didn't get on the scoresheet but he registered five shots on net and averaged over 14 minutes of ice time. There were moments from him that showed why he was a top prospect. These include but are not limited to some textbook NHL passes demonstrating Perreault's hockey IQ.

Expectations for 2026

Perreault continuously being a healthy scratch while the Rangers were on the brink of elimination was one of then-head coach Peter Laviolette's last significant decisions before being fired on April 19, 2025.

The reason this was such a damned decision on Laviolette's end is because Perreault represents the future of the franchise.

Once Laviolette was canned, former New York Rangers assistant Mike Sullivan was hired to become the New York Rangers' 38th head coach in team history.

“Mike Sullivan has established himself as one of the premier head coaches in the NHL,”Drury said. “Given his numerous accomplishments throughout his coaching career - including two Stanley Cups and leading Team USA at the international level – Mike brings a championship-level presence behind the bench. I’ve gotten to know Mike very well over the years, including as teammates in the 1997 World Championships, when he coached me as a player in New York and through our shared time working together with USA Hockey. As we began this process and Mike became an available option for us to speak with, it was immediately clear that he was the best coach to lead our team.”

It takes anyone with a brain to see that Perreault getting a lack of playing time did not turn out well for the Rangers as a whole or Laviolette. When it comes to expectations for Perreault next year — the sky is the limit. He should be in a great position to contribute, and for the Rangers to take a step forward they will need Perreault's help.

His first NHL goal and playing well over 10 games are in the near future.