Just one week after his NHL debut with the New York Rangers, Gabe Perreault will be a healthy scratch for the first time when the team faces the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
The decision by head coach Peter Laviolette raises questions for several reasons. Perreault, the Rangers’ top prospect, is a standout forward from Boston College who has excelled internationally and held his own in his first three NHL games. Additionally, by joining the Rangers now—at the end of his NCAA season—the 19-year-old has already burned the first year of his three-year entry-level contract.
Perhaps more importantly, the Rangers are eight points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the Eastern Conference’s final wild-card spot, with only five games left. Their tragic number is three—any combination of lost points by New York or gained by Montreal totaling three will officially eliminate the Rangers from playoff contention.
No team or coach gives up on a season until mathematically eliminated—doing so would disrespect the organization, players, and fans. But would playing Perreault, giving their prized prospect valuable experience, really hurt their already slim playoff chances?
Laviolette explained, *“Other players are sitting out, too, and we want to continue evaluating different guys in the lineup.”*
As part of that approach, rookie Brett Berard will play against the Flyers. While the 22-year-old has earned his opportunities, he’s already appeared in 32 games this season. At this point, shouldn’t Laviolette and the Rangers have a clear sense of Berard’s role? The same could be said for Jonny Brodzinski or Matt Rempe. And what about veterans like Chris Kreider, playing through a disappointing season? Or sending a message to Alexis Lafrenière, who has just two goals in his last 2
5 games?
