Draft Round 1 #23: New York Rangers Select RW Gabriel Perreault (Boston College, NCAA)

[Amazing Kreiderman]

I'd look for him to take the Stepan route - 2 years and then the show. Step put on 20-ish pounds between when he was drafted to when he signed, if Gabe can do something similar he'll be more than ready to move on by spring 2024.

You mean 2025, right?

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

You mean 2025, right?

Yeah 2025. Expecting him to put on 20 pounds in 2 months would be a bit much.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Because he's 165 lbs.

And Kreider wasn't ready after 2 years. That third year helped immensely whether you think he wanted to stay there or not.

Not think, he absolutely did as that came from his own mouth. Even if you want to play that angle it's pretty irrelevant as their hurdles to the show couldn't be more different.

Where Gabe is physically right now (yeah, 165 isn't enough) is not where he's going to be next April. He's going to have a ton of time to train between now and then (college off seasons are long.)

Assuming he makes enough growth between now and then, he should be signed after next year. If he doesn't then it's something worth discussing but we're literally talking about 2 full summers of training between now and when he'd be in an NHL camp. I'm pretty sure that he'll get there.

 

[I Eat Crow]

He should play three years at BC just like Kreider did. Nothing less.

At some point you need to keep challenging him. He's out there scoring points for fun as a freshman. You send him back for his sophomore year with specific instructions to hit the gym and work on his defensive game. He's a Ranger by April 2025.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

At some point you need to keep challenging him. He's out there scoring points for fun as a freshman. You send him back for his sophomore year with specific instructions to hit the gym and work on his defensive game. He's a Ranger by April 2025.

I would love to see them do what the Petes did with Othmann. Focus on the defensive side of the game, and not worry about the offense too much.

The numbers won't be as sexy, but development-wise it would be a huge benefit.

 

[bhamill]

What I see is that the players on that line all bring different elements and strengths and together have chemistry. Perreault is the set up guy, Leonard is the physical force with a shoot first mentality and Smith has the best skating but also he knows where to be and he gets there when he needs to. When they go their separate ways it will be interesting to see how they will do because they are all going to have find new chemistry with players they're not familiar with. I think it bodes well for Perreault because he has very line oriented skill set somewhat similar to Panarin's but not quite as good of a skater......he'll have to work on that. I've seen a Marc Savard comp today but I've also seen that before. Gabriel does have an uncanny ability to make something out of nothing and he's stronger and more ready to battle for pucks than I thought going into this year.

Personally I don't like other teams. That said I don't see much point in running down either Smith or Leonard. I think they're both excellent prospects too. It's always easy to like your guy best. What I'm seeing so far though is Gabriel even if he went later in the first in last year's draft hasn't taken a backseat to Leonard or Smith at all and I like that a lot.

My post wasn’t meant to run anyone down. I think all three have their strengths. I said “IF anyone is a passenger” because people have said that about GP. I’ve just come to believe, based on this year’s play, that Gabe has a good chance to end up being the best of the three.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I would love to see them do what the Petes did with Othmann. Focus on the defensive side of the game, and not worry about the offense too much.

The numbers won't be as sexy, but development-wise it would be a huge benefit.

Maybe I'm wrong but I really would prefer his offensive skill being honed vs. defensive skill. Isn't this what we complain about all the time with Rangers prospects being developed as grinders? How good is Panarin's defense?

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Maybe I'm wrong but I really would prefer his offensive skill being honed vs. defensive skill. Isn't this what we complain about all the tijme with Rangers prospects being developed as grinders? How good is Panarin's defense?

There's a huge difference in allowing a top prospect in his D+2 to focus on his defensive game compared to burying rookies on the 4th line in the NHL.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Literally zero reason for him to go pro after this season. None whatsoever. Let him stay in the NCAA and continue to put on muscle. He has already added quite a bit from when was drafted so he has the motivation and mindset.

The pros greatly outweigh the cons to letting him stay in the ncaa another year.

 

[Mac n Gs]

Yeah 2025. Expecting him to put on 20 pounds in 2 months would be a bit much.

Just have him eat horse meat and do steroids with Mat Bodie

 

[kovazub94]

Sykora weighs 180. Unless Perreault can get to that or close then yeah, he was more ready than Gabe will be next year.

It's not about his skill/production, its about allowing his body time to cook. Hes listed at 165 (no idea what hes at right now, but its clear that he isn't that big.) There aren't too many guys who are playing in the league right now who are sub 180, let alone sub 170.

I'd look for him to take the Stepan route - 2 years and then the show. Step put on 20-ish pounds between when he was drafted to when he signed, if Gabe can do something similar he'll be more than ready to move on by spring 2025.

You know that it silly to reduce preparedness just to a few pounds (and who set 180 as this arbitrary minimum?). 165 was his weight when he did his physical back in early fall. A year from then he'd probably half the difference with Sykora at worse.

And back to the question - were Sykora more prepared to move on from his Euro pro league than Perreault will be next fall from college program?

 

[GAGLine]

You know that it silly to reduce preparedness just to a few pounds (and who set 180 as this arbitrary minimum?). 165 was his weight when he did his physical back in early fall. A year from then he'd probably half the difference with Sykora at worse.

And back to the question - were Sykora more prepared to move on from his Euro pro league than Perreault will be next fall from college program?

To be fair, there were a lot of questions this summer about whether or not Sykora was ready for the AHL. If he showed that he wasn't ready, the Rangers could have sent him to the WHL (I think it's a WHL team that has his rights) or to the ECHL.

With Perreault, I have less reservations about him being ready for the AHL, but I see no benefit to him playing in the AHL over the NCAA next season. For Sykora, the AHL was a major step up compared to all of his other options. For Perreault, it's not as big of a step, and may be a step down in some respects (playing meaningful games, perhaps). I'd rather he just continues to cook at BC where he is comfortable, then come to camp in 2025 ready to earn a spot in the NHL.

All of this might be impacted by what Smith and Leonard choose to do. If they both leave, maybe Gabe does too.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

You know that it silly to reduce preparedness just to a few pounds (and who set 180 as this arbitrary minimum?). 165 was his weight when he did his physical back in early fall. A year from then he'd probably half the difference with Sykora at worse.

And back to the question - were Sykora more prepared to move on from his Euro pro league than Perreault will be next fall from college program?

Its what Sykora weighs which is why it was picked. You asked what the difference was between him and Perreault - that is it. Physical preparedness is part of the package.

15 pounds is astronomical btw. Even 7-8 pounds is significant at that point so yes, he was more prepared to move on than Perreault will be from a physical standpoint.

Thats the draw back, not his on ice game. The calls for Gabe to hang or 3 years are a bit much but expecting him to take the steps in his physical development by next seasons camp are too.

To @I Eat Crow's point, if its abundantly clear that this level is way to easy for him this year and he ends up doing all kinds of ridiculous shit then MAYBE you can overlook some level of being physically immature (not 165, but we can assume he wont be 165 by the fall) because if this level isn't a challenge anymore, then theres no reason to go back. He hasn't gotten there yet. His numbers are excellent but he isn't dominant out there on the regular.

 

[NYR Viper]

When he finishes his season, I'd use all of my contacts if I were Drury to get him to play in the WC's for USA. If he does well there, I'd sign him. That would be my stipulation for him. I want to see you playing against other pros to see how you physically handle it.

In all fairness, he is likely not 165lbs now

 

[The Crypto Guy]

When he finishes his season, I'd use all of my contacts if I were Drury to get him to play in the WC's for USA. If he does well there, I'd sign him. That would be my stipulation for him. I want to see you playing against other pros to see how you physically handle it.

In all fairness, he is likely not 165lbs now

Kakko dominated the WCs, he wasn’t NHL ready. That wouldnt be the bar i use, even if they are totally different players.

 

[JCProdigy]

I'm on team "stay at BC", at least for another year. I've pretty much watched most of his shifts at BC this year and, like others have mentioned, while his point totals are high and he's shown the requisite skill at this level, besides the physical maturity, there are still plenty of things he has to work on. It's not like his line is dominating shifts. There are plenty of times they are hemmed in at their own end of the ice. Also, this year, the team revolves more around Gauthier and his line more so than the USNTDP line. Next year it would be "his" team (and Smith's if he stays. I think Leonard is gone). Build up more leadership qualities, defensive responsibilities, as well as possibly playing in all situations (currently, he doesn't PK). It would also be beneficial for him to play on another line, if only for him to adapt to other's playing styles, etc.

Big test coming up for Gabe (and BC as a whole) with the next two games coming against BU this weekend and then BU again on 2/5 in the semi's of the Beanpot. 1 and 2 in the rankings with exactly the same record. If you have ESPN+, they are going to be great games to watch.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

There's no doubt in my mind that GP needs another year of physical development.

 

[Levitate]

He should play in college until he's ready to make the jump to the NHL or AHL. I doubt that is after this year but very high likelyhood that's after his sophmore year I think. Comparing him to Kreider and how many years Kreider did is pointless, they are completely different players with different strengths and weaknesses playing at completely different points in time.

It is very likely Perreault needs to get stronger to compete in the pro leagues but college is probably a good place for that without having to play during the week and fewer overall games, he can work on strength now and in the offseason.

I also doin't really give a shit about the idea of him "working on his defense' unless what we're really saying is working on how to regain the puck and immediately transition back to offense. Do I want him floating around looking lost and cherry picking? No, but I'm far less fussed about him blocking shots and all that and more about "get the puck back, get it back up the ice".

 

[NYR Viper]

Kakko dominated the WCs, he wasn’t NHL ready. That wouldnt be the bar i use, even if they are totally different players.

this would come after finishing his college season as he has already been playing. I'm not sure what else the kid could do besides put up his points in NCAA and then play well at the WC.

 

[Machinehead]

this would come after finishing his college season as he has already been playing. I'm not sure what else the kid could do besides put up his points in NCAA and then play well at the WC.

It's less about his play and more about filling out.

Jack Hughes came into the NHL at a similar weight and he struggled, despite being Jack Hughes.

I also don't see any semblance of a PP role for Gabe now or next year. Cuylle or Othmann making inroads through the bottom six is one thing - different bodies, different role. Perreault will be judged on one number.

I don't want Perreault to struggle. There's already a ton of hubbub around the New York Rangers as it is, and Laf/Kakko being disappointing adds fuel to the fire.

I don't want a circus. I don't want the pressure on the player and frankly, I don't want to live through it again.

Our most successful forward pick ever was a full-time Ranger in his D+5 and a damn good one on a Cup Finals team. Maybe there's something to it.

 

[JCProdigy]

It's less about his play and more about filling out.

Jack Hughes came into the NHL at a similar weight and he struggled, despite being Jack Hughes.

I also don't see any semblance of a PP role for Gabe now or next year. Cuylle or Othmann making inroads through the bottom six is one thing - different bodies, different role. Perreault will be judged on one number.

I don't want Perreault to struggle. There's already a ton of hubbub around the New York Rangers as it is, and Laf/Kakko being disappointing adds fuel to the fire.

I don't want a circus. I don't want the pressure on the player and frankly, I don't want to live through it again.

Our most successful forward pick ever was a full-time Ranger in his D+5 and a damn good one on a Cup Finals team. Maybe there's something to it.

Umm..the Rangers traded Amonte before the cup run.

But seriously, I didn't include it in my last post for brevity's sake, but my thoughts follow yours. Gabe is a LW. As long as Panarin and Kreider are on the NYR, there is no room for him in the top six (and on PP) and I don't think it would serve the Rangers nor Gabe (nor our hearts) for him to play in the bottom six with limited PP time as a 19/20 yo when he can be playing top line (all situations) for BC (and Hartford to follow).

 

[McRanger92]

Perrault needs to bulk up in the summer and join the Rangers out of college in the 2025 playoffs like Kreider. I think that’s the most realistic timeline

 

[kovazub94]

It's less about his play and more about filling out.

Jack Hughes came into the NHL at a similar weight and he struggled, despite being Jack Hughes.

I also don't see any semblance of a PP role for Gabe now or next year. Cuylle or Othmann making inroads through the bottom six is one thing - different bodies, different role. Perreault will be judged on one number.

I don't want Perreault to struggle. There's already a ton of hubbub around the New York Rangers as it is, and Laf/Kakko being disappointing adds fuel to the fire.

I don't want a circus. I don't want the pressure on the player and frankly, I don't want to live through it again.

Our most successful forward pick ever was a full-time Ranger in his D+5 and a damn good one on a Cup Finals team. Maybe there's something to it.

Just to get it straight - transitioning to pro hockey mostly implied going to the AHL.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

Perrault will be dealt in a deal for Elias Pettersson so don’t worry about where he’ll fit.

 

[Machinehead]

Perrault will be dealt in a deal for Elias Pettersson so don’t worry about where he’ll fit.

I would do this tho