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

[bl02]

Just realized he will be playing with Leonard and Smith next year. I think that is great. Should be a great environment at a good program a BC.

 

[Jacques Strap]

Never thought Gabe Perrault would drop to 23. Smartest player in the draft, great playmaker, great shot, quick release. Skating is good and will improve with added strength. Excellent pick. Extremely happy. I think I actually saw Drury crack a smile on stage while we made the pick. Best value pick since Kreider.

 

[LiveLongandProspal]

I don't even remember Mike Peca and Yanic Perrault as Maple Leafs, but apparently they were teammates there for a handful of games, I think

 

[NickyFotiu]

#badskater

That was impressive for a kid. People on here maybe underestimating him.

#badskater

Actually looks quick in many clips.

 

[bl02]

I don't know man. I don't think his skating is all that bad. Anyway, the best part is he has at least a couple of years to develop at a pretty good program with other good players.

 

[Hire Sather]

In 20+ years on this board, this might be the best overall reaction I have ever seen to one of our first round picks.

I won't count Laf and Kakko because those were no debate picks

 

[Kendo]

PS this league sucks. What a boring night no trades so vanilla. Just love the game despise this league

Best major sport, worst major league. It's a tale as old as time.

 

[NickyFotiu]

I don't know man. I don't think his skating is all that bad. Anyway, the best part is he has at least a couple of years to develop at a pretty good program with other good players.

If a guy is pulling away from other guys how bad can it be?

 

[Kendo]

When/if this kid makes the team the over under on that list of players still being in the roster is maybe 2.5

I respect you as a long-time poster, but I'll take the over and give you odds. =)

 

[Kupo]

Can I change my username to JoeyTits?

 

[DanielBrassard]

Hard to be disappointed with this pick. No matter how it turns out, great value at 23.

 

[Harbour Dog]

Drury deserves an A+ for this little blip in history. No overthinking, no galaxy-braining; take the best guy by a landslide and move on.

 

[Nickmo82]

Pro: Good solid hockeyman name.

Con: He's a forward. NYR can't develop forwards. Career over before it starts.

So, pretty much a wash.

 

[bleedblue94]

Gabe Perrault had more points than his linemates Will Smith and Ryan Leonard...and both were taken in the top-10.


Go figure.

If panarin has thaught you anything it's that it's not always about point totals...

 

[bleedblue94]

Redline;

12.) Gabriel Perruault - US NTDP - LW

Super smart with hockey sense off the charts. He both creates and finishes at top speed. Initiates most of the scoring plays for the US NTDP’s top line. Makes so many subtle, skilled set-up plays. Has an uncanny sense of where all his teammates are on the ice and how to get them the puck in dangerous spots. Just a highly innovative mind. Makes sublime little delay moves to buy time and space for his line makes to jump into holes, then dishes perfect feeds with fantastic touch off both sides of the blade. Lacks the explosive, game breaking speed of his linemates, but is highly elusive; sharp cuts and change of direction makes him slippery as an eel. Great instincts and and anticipation around the offensive zone. A chess master who thinks 9 moves ahead of opponents and knows where the puck will go next. Can get pushed off pucks when engaged in 50-50’s, but doggedly works to regain possession.

Projection: Highly Intelligent, creative top line winger.
Style Compares to: Jesper Bratt

This report reads like a panarin like player

 

[EdJovanovski]

Definitely see the skating concerns there, not sure if he’s taking out of context clips towards end of shifts because he looks almost gassed in them.. but certainly does lug around a bit, not great edges and not very explosive.

Great hands & vision though, reminds me of one of my favorite prospects Sawchyn in that regard. I’m optimistic, obviously a very productive player to get at 23rd but I do wish for once we got an elite skater.

 

[egelband]

Can I change my username to JoeyTits?

Only if that is your real name.

 

[Kakko Schmakko]

can he play in AHL next season?

 

[Whoot Whoot]

We should hire that multiple gold winning speed skating guy full time

 

[Barnaby]

To start: love the pick. I love that Drury just went out and took the most talented player. A player they probably had about the best handle on given his team and the Ranger employee connections there. They didn’t reinvent the wheel. They have an NCAA kid going to a great college program whom is going to be fun to follow.

Gorton’s Rangers probably take one of the less talented Swedish kids taken after him. I also think a few teams ahead of us are going to look silly in 5 years.

On a side note: It’s hysterical that he was drafted by the Rangers 5 or 6 hours ago and we have 15 experts on his skating. Long stride or short stride. Choppy stride. Wonderful stride. Great on his edges. Needs work on his edges. Maybe a few of those people have ever seen him play and they weren’t likely highly focused on him. Everyone’s an expert with YouTube though.

It sounds like his skating is weaker than his line mates, but a few years building up his body at BC will likely change that a lot. He isn’t as physically mature as some other guys yet. I doubt the concerns are just completely fabricated though.

 

[AlaBlueShirt]

Adam Fox type pass

 

[Bacon Artemi Bravo]

I've had a lot of nasty things to say about Chris Drury, so in fairness on this one:

-he planned ahead knowing he was going to need draft capital to spend at last years deadline
-traded Nils for a first
-spent that first by negotiating a deal for tank that included the lesser of the 2 picks
-got himself a DAMN good player at #23, and afforded himself that opportunity by using good foresight and asset management

Credit where it's due. I think Gabe is going to be one hell of an NHL player.

 

[tlk]

A mix of Breadman/Patty/Fux type of player? Arighty then, could do worse at 23.

 

[AirGut]

A mix of Breadman/Patty/Fux type of player? Arighty then, could do worse at 23.

Bratt and Keller are also two interesting comparisons

 

[RangersFan1994]