The New York Rangers’ recent prospect development camp gave fans a glimpse of the future as the youngsters took the ice to sharpen their skills under the tutelage of the Blueshirts’ top coaches. Among the prospects in attendance was last year’s first-round pick, Gabe Perreault — the Rangers’ most highly-coveted prospect.
Gabe Perreault is working on adding strength as a sophomore
Perreault confirmed during the development camp that he will not be playing NHL hockey this season as he will be returning to Boston College to play out his sophomore season. He also gave insight into the skills he is focusing on improving as he prepares for an eventual professional hockey career:
“I’ve been focusing on getting bigger, keep gaining weight, stuff like that,” Perreault said per NHL.com. “I’m working on my skating which helps with getting stronger, so I think all those things combined.”
Perreault has his eyes on a National Championship
Perreault is focused on being a winner, too. He’s had plenty of success in his amateur career so far, totaling 60 points in 36 games played for Boston College last season. But ultimately, he and his school fell short, losing the National Championship Game 2–0 against the University of Denver.
“I’m just focused on having another big year at school,” Perreault added. “I’ll try to focus there, have a good season, and hopefully win a national championship.”
While Perreault focuses on bringing a National Championship to Boston, the Rangers will be focused on bringing a Stanley Cup to Broadway. Hopefully, Perreault will help them with their efforts in the near future.
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When will Perreault make his Rangers debut?
Perreault’s NHL debut is likely a ways away. The 19-year-old winger is an exciting prospect, but far from a ready-made product. He stands in with a skinny 5-foot-11, 165-pound frame, making his focus on adding strength and weight a welcomed priority.
Despite the success Perreault has had so far, he will need to continue to develop his skills before being called up to the Rangers’ roster. This season at Boston, Perreault could make major strides in his game ahead of an eventual jump to the professional level. Whenever he is ready to make his NHL debut, though, it will be met with lofty expectations.
