Story by
Rangers Daily: What Gabe Perreault is missing; Simon Nemec update
- Story by
- Rangers Daily: What Gabe Perreault is missing; Simon Nemec update
By most accounts, Gabe Perreault's first season in the NHL with the New York Rangers was a success. The 20-year-old rookie forward scored 12 goals and totaled 27 points in 49 games, and progressively got better as the months passed, finishing the season with some serious chemistry on the top line with Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere .
That he didn't make the Rangers' opening-night roster out of training camp was soon forgotten, when Perreault scored 10 goals and had seven assists in 20 American Hockey League games with the Hartford Wolf Pack. That he earned his way back up to the NHL, and then followed it up by earning a regular spot in the Rangers lineup speaks well of the kid and his development. No self-entitlement here. That bodes well for what lies ahead in his career.
Advertisement
Seeing how well he adjusted to the NHL, and thrived on the top line, should leave him and the Rangers wanting more. So, it feels like a real missed opportunity that Perreault is not getting any invaluable pro playoff experience this spring.
The Rangers (34-39-9) were out of the postseason race back in January already, and finished last in the Eastern Conference . But had Hartford been at least good enough to squeak in to the Calder Cup Playoffs, the Rangers almost certainly would've extended Perreault's rookie campaign by assigning him to the AHL for its postseason. Don't kid yourself, that would've been a big deal for Perreault, likely playing 20+ minutes a night on the top line, first power-play unit, and as Hartford's most-marked man by the opposition.
Yes, Perreault proved his chops on the big stage, helping the United States win consecutive World Junior Championships in 2024 and 2025, totaling 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) combined. But the Calder Cup Playoffs would be the next step, a serious challenge at the pro level. You know, one step away from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a place the Rangers hope Perreault stars for them for years to come.
On the other side of the coin, forward Easton Cowan , who recorded 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 66 games as a prized Toronto Maple Leafs rookie this season, is playing in the postseason for their AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies. The 2023 first-rounder recognizes why it's a big deal to do so.
Advertisement
"You play a lot of games," Cowan explained to Sportsnet . "It's good to learn your body and how to treat it, especially later in the season."
That's a missed opportunity for Perreault. As it is for Rangers prospects like Adam Sykora , Jaroslav Chmelar , Scott Morrow , Dylan Garand , Brody Lamb, Bryce McConell-Barker, and Dylan Roobroeck, to name more than a few.
Just another reason why it's not just the Rangers varsity that needs a retool. The entire organization requires one, and that fact can't be lost on general manager Chris Drury , because prospect development and success should be paramount at all levels.
New York Rangers news and analysis
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Just a reminder that that Chris Drury and Co. can't be duped by a strong finish to a terribly disappointing Rangers season when they go about their business retooling the roster this summer.
Advertisement
Here's a breakdown of how the Rangers can draw some comps from Timothy Liljegren 's contract with the Washington Capitals and the new one they must negotiate with Braden Schneider this summer.
Here's a detailed analysis of why the Rangers should have interest in Dallas Stars forward Mavrik Bourque this summer.
Chew on this: Mike Sullivan's been on the job in New York for barely one calendar year, yet is the 18th most tenured coach with one team currently in the NHL.
NHL news and rumors
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
New Jersey Hockey Now: Despite rumors from overseas to the contrary, James Nichols confirmed that Simon Nemec has NOT requested nor demanded a trade from the New Jersey Devils .
Advertisement
The Athletic: Pierre LeBrun caught up with fired Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams, who spoke about how proud he is of his former team's playoff run this spring, and what the future holds for him.
Montreal Hockey Now: Marc Dumont offers up his takeaways after the Canadiens skated past the Carolina Hurricanes 6-2 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.
NHL.com: Troy Terry may miss the start of next season with the Anaheim Ducks because he needs hip surgery after playing through the injury during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Sports Business Journal: At their annual awards, SBJ named the NHL the Sports League of the Year.
Advertisement
Colorado Hockey Now: Will Cale Makar play in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final for the Avalanche against the Vegas Golden Knights ? The stud defenseman skated again Thursday on his own, and remains questionable for a lineup return.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Dan Kingerski breaks down the top offseason trade targets for the Penguins, including one who should also be on the Rangers radar.
Related Headlines
