The Rangers are quickly moving to bring their top prospect to New York.
After his sophomore season at Boston College ended with a loss to Denver in the NCAA Regional Final on Sunday night, Gabe Perreault signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Rangers and is expected to report to New York on Tuesday, according to The Post’s Larry Brooks.
By signing his first NHL contract, Perreault effectively burned a year off his entry-level contract, meaning he will become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2027.
As one college coach told The Post, “He’s too smart for college hockey.”
Known for his offensive abilities, Perreault quickly became untouchable after being drafted 23rd overall by the Rangers in 2023.
Perreault made a name for himself at Boston College and during the last two World Junior Championships, where he played a key role in Team USA’s back-to-back gold medal victories.
During his freshman season, he finished second in Division I in assists (41) and tied for fourth in points (60). He was named a CCM/AHCA second-team All-American, a Hockey East second-team All-Star, and a New England All-Star, recording at least one point in 30 of the 36 games he played.
Though his production slightly dipped in the 2024-25 season—48 points (16 goals, 32 assists) in 37 games—Perreault remained a crucial part of one of the NCAA’s most dynamic lines, alongside Ryan Leonard (who signed his ELC with the Capitals) and projected 2025 No. 1 draft pick James Hagens.
In his last 14 World Junior Championship games, Perreault contributed six goals and 14 assists.
The 19-year-old already has a star quality, even partnering with Armani to promote their Acqua di Gio Profondo Parfum—a fitting partnership for New York.
If the Rangers are bringing Perreault to New York, it seems unlikely that the 5-foot-11, 178-pound winger would just watch from the press box. He would probably be sent to AHL Hartford unless the Rangers see more value in having him with the NHL club.
Perreault could make his NHL debut as soon as Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden against the Wild.
While there’s confidence that his experience with top players like Leonard and Hagens will help his transition to the NHL, the question remains whether it’s the right time for him to make the jump. The main concerns are that he might not yet be physically prepared or ready for the NHL’s pace, and there’s still room for improvement in his skating.
With eight regular-season games left, the Rangers may use this time to evaluate him sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, Perreault’s BC teammate and fellow Rangers draft pick Drew Fortescue also saw his sophomore season come to an end, but the 19-year-old defenseman is not expected to follow the same path as Perreault. The Rangers and Fortescue’s camp will have to decide whether he should return for his junior season or turn pro.
After Ryan Lindgren’s trade to Colorado left the Rangers with a thinner left side on defense, Fortescue could spend a season or less in the AHL before getting his first call-up to the big club.
Either way, the next wave of NHL talent is arriving, and the Rangers are bringing in some of its brightest prospects.
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