With the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers selected the 5'11 Right Winger out of the USA U-18 NTDP program, Gabriel Perreault.
Putting on an Original Six jersey is always a special feeling, but considering the fact that Gabriel Perreault comes from a hockey family, the Blueshirts sweater was even all the more surreal. Perreault's father, Yanic, played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League for multiple organizations including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Yanic isn't the only other member of the family that has thrown on a pair of skates. Gabriel's older brother Jeremy played growing up in the Chicago area and his other older brother Jacob was selected 27th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2020 NHL Draft and is currently a member of the San Diego Gulls.
Gabriel's older sister, Lili, who happens to be a good friend of mine just graduated from Mercyhurst University where she was the captain of the Women's Division I Ice Hockey team. I spoke to Lili about what Ranger fans can expect from her younger brother to which she said "I'm so proud of my little brother. Watching him mature not only on the ice but as a person has been incredible. He is so much fun to watch and it amazes me how smart he is on the ice. His passion for hockey is so inspiring for our whole family, the Rangers got a great kid."
I had the chance to chat with the family as I saw them strolling on Broadway Street once the draft had concluded, Gabriel was of course still rocking his red, white, and blue jersey so he was easy to spot. I could sense the excitement on Gabriel's face and he told me that he couldn't have been happier to not only go to an Original Six franchise but to specifically be picked by the New York Rangers. Of course, I had to tell him that he is going to have a ton of good restaurants to try.
So now let's talk about Perreault as a player.
His stats speak for themselves as he tallied 53 goals and 79 assists for 132 points in just 62 games played, which led all skaters on the U.S. National U-18 team. He had the privilege of playing alongside Will Smith, who went fourth overall to the San Jose Sharks, as well as Ryan Leonard who was selected eighth overall by the Washington Capitals. These three will continue their path as teammates as they will be attending Boston College this coming Fall.
Perreault is a 5'11, 185 lbs right-winger that is a left-handed shot. Similar to Rangers defenseman Adam Fox, Perreault has something that you just can't teach, hockey sense. Many people are saying that he is the smartest player of all of the skaters that were selected in the first round. That is very high praise.
Considering the fact that the Rangers' biggest crutch has been their depth at the right-wing position, this selection is an absolute home run for Chris Drury.
There won't be a rush to bring him to the big leagues as the Rangers want Perreault to develop properly. But once he gets to the NHL after spending some time at Boston College, the expectations will certainly be high.
There is a lot to be excited about in Gabriel Perreault.