Rangers prospect Gabe Perreault practices with team, says it was 'time to take next step'

GREENBURGH — Gabe Perreault stared at the phalanx of reporters, broadcasters, photographers and videographers who had formed a semicircle in front of him.

It was a little before noon, give or take a few minutes, and the newest Ranger had just finished his first official day of work as a professional.

Now, standing in front of Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider’s stalls inside the MSG Training Center and with a few staff members and teammates watching nearby with interest, he was being asked about his decision to forgo his final two years at Boston College to join a team that finds itself in a desperate race to grab the last Eastern Conference wild card berth.

“I’m super excited to be here,” Perreault said. “I just thought it was time to take the next step.”

No time like the present.

Following top-seeded Boston College’s season-ending 3-1 loss to defending national champion Denver in the Elite Eight Sunday, the 19-year-old signed his three-year, entry-level deal worth $947,677 annually with the Rangers Monday.

The final eight games of this season will count toward Perreault’s contract, and he is eligible to become a restricted free agent after the 2026-27 season.

“I (talked to team president and general manager Chris) Drury quite a bit over these past couple weeks trying to make that decision,” said Perreault, who is the son of former NHLer Yanic Perreault. “Once I signed (Vincent) Trocheck and (Chris) Kreider both texted me, so that was definitely awesome.”

He shared the ice with the two veterans during Tuesday’s 35-minute practice but did not skate on their lines. Rather he was placed with J.T. Miller and Alexis Lafreniere on the second line, and rotated with Will Cuylle as the net-front presence on the second power-play unit.

“It’s a starting point,” said Peter Laviolette, who was coy when asked if Perreault would be in the lineup for Wednesday night’s match against the Wild at the Garden. “We just wanted him to have an opportunity to get out there and work with players – I think (Lafreniere) thinks a lot like he does and J.T.’s a guy that’s been around a long time and could really help mentor him.”

Regardless of whether he is in the lineup for the contest against Minnesota, Perreault, who led the Eagles in assists (32) and was second in points (48), is being integrated into the Rangers’ roster at yet another delicate point in the season.

The Rangers (35-32-7, 77 points) are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games and have a 5-9-0 mark this season against their final eight opponents. They are tied with the Canadiens for the final wild card, but Montreal has a game in hand. Columbus is two points back but has two games in hand on the Rangers.

“We’re sitting where we sit,” Laviolette said. “I think everybody in the room knows exactly where we’re at. It’s about making sure we win and collect points. That’s a major priority for us.”

Notes & quotes:  The Rangers announced UConn goaltender Callum Tung signed a three-year, entry-level contract. Financial terms were undisclosed. Tung, 21, was assigned to AHL Hartford for the remainder of the season on an amateur tryout contract. Tung compiled a 10-4-1 record with .933 save percentage and 2.01 goals-against average with the Huskies this season.