REPORT: Rangers’ Top Prospect Leaves Fans Guessing With Pro Decision
The New York Rangers began their offseason with the start of their development camp, but one of their top prospects won’t be in an NHL jersey for at least another year.
As reported by Vince Mercogliano of USA Today on July 2, forward Gabe Perreault announced that he will play NCAA hockey at Boston College for the 2024-25 season.
“Perreault confirmed he’ll be back at BC for his sophomore season. What comes after that is TBD #NYR,” Mercogliano wrote on X.
The Rangers selected Gabe Perreault with the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft after he unexpectedly fell down the draft board and remained available late in the first round.
Gabe Perrault Returning to Boston College in 2024-25
In September 2023, Vince Mercogliano ranked Gabe Perreault as the top prospect in the Rangers’ system, just a few months after New York drafted him.
Perreault confirmed he’ll be back at BC for his sophomore season. What comes after that is TBD #NYR
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) July 2, 2024
“Gabe Perreault, the record-breaking forward whom New York selected with the 23rd overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft, has claimed the title for now,” Mercogliano wrote. “Brilliance is a term that shouldn’t be used lightly, but anyone you ask about the U.S. National Team Development Program product praises his ability to process the game and make calculated decisions on the fly.”
Perreault finished his freshman season at Boston College ranked third in the nation with an average of 1.67 points per game. For comparison, Macklin Celebrini, the 2024 No. 1 pick considered a generational talent, averaged 1.68 points per game at Boston University.
In 2024, Perreault scored 60 points in 36 games, including 41 assists. Only his teammate Will Smith, who was also drafted by the San Jose Sharks, surpassed him nationwide with 46 assists.
“I honestly haven’t really thought about that too much,” Perreault said on July 2, according to Kim Rankin of Sports Illustrated. “[I’m] just focused on another big year at school, trying to focus there, have a good season, and hopefully win a national championship.
“And then when that time comes, I’ll probably discuss it with my family, my agent, obviously the Rangers, see where they think I’m at and most importantly where I think I’m at and then I’ll make a decision from there.”
Perreault also won a gold medal with the United States at the 2024 World Junior Championship, scoring 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in seven games.
2024 No. 1 Pick Macklin Celebrini Facing Similar Decision
The San Jose Sharks selected consensus-best prospect Macklin Celebrini with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft just before July began.
Like Perreault, Celebrini will decide between turning pro or returning to college to play at Boston University.
Halttunen and Celebrini looking scary #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/Eb4i3Cg0qI
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) July 2, 2024
“It’s coming up,” Celebrini said about his decision, according to Ben Ross of the Associated Press. “I’ll make the decision pretty quick here. Just trying to enjoy this camp, and after that, I guess it’s time to make a decision.”
The Sharks began their development camp on Tuesday, July 2, with Celebrini skating for the first time with the team. He was joined by other 2024 draftees, including No. 11 pick Sam Dickinson, No. 33 pick Igor Chernyshov, and No. 53 Leo Sahlin Wallenius.
Celebrini had an impressive freshman season at Boston University in 2024, scoring 32 goals and providing 32 assists in 38 games. He was also named the youngest winner of the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the best player in college hockey.
The Sharks finished the 2023-24 season with an NHL-worst 19-54-9 record, earning just 47 points. This was the fewest points San Jose had accumulated since the 1995-96 season when they finished with a 20-55-7 record and the same point total.