Peter Laviolette confirmed after Wednesday’s practice that Gabe Perreault will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers.
This comes after Perreault signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the New York Rangers on Mar. 31.
The 19-year-old forward played in just three games before getting benched in what is a puzzling decision considering he’s already burning off a year of his entry-level contract by coming to the Rangers this late into the season.
Laviolette does not view this as a demotion, but instead a learning lesson for Perreault fresh into his NHL career.
“Coming in for a young player especially straight out of college there are times where you can teach him and show him, let him watch and learn and practice. He’s played in some games as well where he’s had a good impact in the game. He’s been good, just a young player.”
The Rangers selected Perreault with the 23rd pick of the 2023 NHL Draft and after an impressive two years at Boston College, he was ready to take the next step into professional hockey.
Since getting drafted, Perreault has emerged as the Rangers’ most intriguing prospect.
With such limited time this season to see what Perreault is capable of, you would think there would be an urgency on the Rangers’ part to play him as much as possible.
However, Laviolette does not feel that pressure whatsoever.
“No,” Laviolette said about if there’s pressure to play Perreault. “Coaches will sit down and go through things with him – the times where done some things that he's had an impact, and times where he can be better. I think it's a learning process for young players, whether it be practice, games, video, watching.
“It could be a combination of all of it, but it’s a big step coming out of college right into (an NHL) lineup. Other players are sitting out, as well, that we want to continue to look at and put into the lineup.”
Perreault spent his first two games on a line with J.T. Miller and Alexis Lafrenière before getting dropped down to a bottom-six role.
In his three games thus far, Perreault is averaging 13:31 minutes.
Brett Berard will take Perreault’s spot in the lineup after serving as a healthy scratch on Monday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Laviolette emphasized that just because Perreault is with the Rangers doesn't mean he is guaranteed playing time.
“The players that come in from college, not always is it straight from college into the NHL. I think that there’s a learning process that goes with it,” Laviolette said. “I think playing games is important, I think practicing at a high level is important…
“We’ve been happy with him and him being here and the fact he’s able to be a part of this group, all of that is important. It’s been great to have him here, but that doesn't necessarily mean you are always in the lineup.”