The Rangers’ nightmare season might have a silver lining after all.
After dominating the NHL last year with a President’s Trophy win, New York has stumbled badly. They’re sitting 21st in the league with a disappointing 35-32-7 record through 74 games.
But things are about to get interesting.
The team just signed Gabriel Perreault, their top prospect and one of hockey’s most exciting young talents. The 19-year-old winger is set to make his NHL debut Wednesday night against Minnesota.
It’s been quite a journey for Perreault. He wasn’t even a top-20 draft pick last year, falling to 23rd overall. But since then? He’s been absolutely on fire.
Playing for Boston College, he racked up an incredible 108 points in 73 games. That’s the kind of scoring that turns heads.
"He’s exactly what we need right now," said one team source. "Fresh legs, great hands, and he sees the ice incredibly well."
The Rangers plan to throw him right into the deep end. They’re putting him on a line with former first-overall pick Alexis Lafreniere and top center J.T. Miller.
It’s been a season of big changes for New York. GM Chris Drury has been reshaping the team since summer, starting with the surprising decision to waive fan-favorite Barclay Goodrow. He’s also been trying to trade team captain Jacob Trouba while chasing other stars.
But they’re not giving up on this year just yet.
Even though they’re outside the playoff spot, bringing in Perreault shows they’re still fighting. He brings something the team desperately needs – elite puck skills and fresh energy after playing a lighter college schedule than his NHL counterparts.
The timing of his signing is interesting too. With only eight games left in the regular season, the Rangers are making a calculated move that could help them both now and in the future.
Puck drops at 7 p.m. Wednesday. For Rangers fans, it might be their first glimpse at the future of their franchise.
