The new Rod Gilbert has arrived.
His name is Gabe Perreault, he plays right wing the way Hall of Famer Rod did and he's built along Gilbert's dimensions.
Those who've seen him play for Boston College insist that the 5-11, 165 pounder from Sherbrooke, Quebec will be an instant idol of the Garden crowd. More so than The Marvelous Matt Rempe.
"He's got oodles of hockey sense," says The Hockey News Yearbook's scouting report on Gabe, "and a knack for getting pucks to sticks. He's a brilliant playmaker."
The Maven predicts that he'll open with a bang as Gilbert did in the third game of the 1962 playoff against Toronto.
"Rod became an instant star in that playoff and never looked back," recalls The Old Scout. "The Rangers have waited a long time for a player like Perreault."
Jess Rubenstein, The Maven's top scout among many, insists that Perreault's relatively small size will not be a hindrance.
"Gabe's skill set is what's going to get the fans to love him," says Rubenstein. "The kid can score from anywhere on the ice. I call him 'The Magician' because what he can do as a playmaker is incredible"
The Maven doesn't care what anyone says in defense of Gabe's miniscule fuselage, I say it will be a debit until I see him take a few whacks from the NHL goons and rebounds in good health.
On the other hand, Jess says not to worry.
"I would use him with someone like Will Cuylle who can also be his bodyguard," Rubenstein insists. "My question is who'll be the best center for him.
"I'd go with Sam Carrick because they need somebody who's going to be willing to hit the crease and make the dirty plays."
Jovial Jess has seen Gorgeous Gabe in action and virtually swoons when explaining Genius Gabe's passing radar.
Rubenstein: "He can hit anyone with a pass anywhere on the ice. I've seen him hit teammates with passes when I had no idea how he saw his buddy. He also can play defense.
"When he was killing a penalty for Boston College he always was a threat to score every time."
In that sense, Perreault has it over Gilbert. It's not that Rod was defensively irresponsible, it's that the 1961-62 Rangers had better players – Johnny Wilson for one – to handle that chore.
So what can we expect tonight? A star is born? The Maven says, YES!
Rubenstein says, "Ranger fans really are going to like this guy." Now we'll see if Perfect Perreault fulfills his notices.