NASHVILLE — Gabriel Perreault looked relieved, and above all happy, when he stepped onto the podium wearing his New York Rangers jersey after the first round of the draft on Wednesday.
“There is no better than that, launched the Quebec striker with a smile. One of the original six teams, that’s really cool. I’m thinking Madison Square Garden and it’s really special. »
The consensus was that whoever played with the USA Hockey Development Program (NTDP) Under-18 team would be claimed a little earlier than 23rd overall, as was the case, but the consolation prize is not bad at all.
He will first have the chance to play for a team whose fame is no longer to be done, and he will also forever hold the bragging rights to his brother Jacob, selected at the 27th level by the Anaheim Ducks in 2020. , and his father Yanic, a third-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1991.
Gabriel politely declined the invitation to throw an arrow to his brother saying that he “has accomplished more things”. Anyway, the latter was ready to reply if that had been the case. Or almost.
“I was going to say he hadn’t scored in the NHL yet, but I haven’t either … except in my net,” he laughed, recalling an unfortunate deflection in his first game. in career. […] It was a great experience but it was a bit more stressful to watch than my virtual draft. »
Stress had given way to pride when we joined Jacob in the Rangers dressing room, where Gabriel and the whole family were celebrating and getting to know the team staff.
“It’s cool to see him with that sweater, commented Jacob, turning around as if to confirm that it was indeed the reality. We always played video games with our big brother Jeremy growing up, and we built teams with the Rangers just for the jersey and Madison Square Garden.
“The organization is super good and they have very good players. Artemi Panarin is one of my idols and they have a lot of good youngsters with experience like Alexis Lafrenière, Kaapo Kakko and Braden Schneider. It will be good for Gabriel to follow their example. »
Growing up in Chicago, where his father holds a development coaching position with the Blackhawks, the Perreault brothers were able to admire the prowess of Panarin and Patrick Kane, who played the second half of the season in the Big Apple.
“I was a big fan of Panarin and Kane when they played with the Blackhawks,” he said. They’re the ones that come to mind when I think of Rangers, but obviously they have a lot of other special players, like Adam Fox. »
At Boston College
However, Perreault will have to wait a few years before sharing the Rangers locker room with these players. Still a little puny at 165 pounds, he will continue his development at Boston College, in the NCAA, for at least one season.
There he will find his linemates Will Smith (4th overall, San Jose Sharks) and Ryan Leonard (8th overall, Washington Capitals), with whom he has terrorized opposing goaltenders this season.
“We all offered something different,” said Perreault. These guys are very special. Will is probably the most skilled player in this crop and Ryan makes his presence felt in all aspects of the game. Playing with these two is pretty easy. »
Perreault notably shattered the record that Auston Matthews had established for the number of points in a season within the American program with a collection of 132 points (53 goals, 79 assists) in 63 games. If the three accomplices are able to recreate that chemistry on the next level, it should be fine.
“Once he gains a bit of mass, everything will come by itself, assured Jacob. Everything seems to happen naturally in his head. He often makes plays that we don’t see coming and that’s what makes him strong. »
2023-06-30 22:39:36
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