11:23AM: Perreault is on the second PP unit with Alexis Lafreniere, JT Miller, K’Andre Miller and Jonny Brodzinski. (Baugh)
11:04AM: At practice on Tuesday, the lines the Rangers are using are (Baugh):
- Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, Brennan Othmann
- Alexis Lafreniere, JT Miller, Gabe Perreault
- Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Will Cuylle
- Brett Berard, Sam Carrick, Jonny Brodzinski
- Carson Soucy, Adam Fox
- K’Andre Miller, Will Borgen
- Urho Vaakanainen, Braden Schneider
Adam Rotter: I’m pleasantly surprised that this is how the lines look and that is the spot they put Perreault in. I thought that putting him with Lafreniere and Miller was possible, but I truly expected him to skate with Kreider and Zibanejad. It will be a big spot for him, but I’m glad that they are putting him in an offensive role and a position to showcase his ability and produce offensively. The next question is how long Peter Laviolette is willing to stick with an unproven player in the top-six if they don’t produce right away, but Perreault and Othmann being in the top-six is hopefully something we will be seeing for years to come.
That spot, along with a spot on the second PP unit, shows how much not only the Rangers think of Perreault and his potential but also of his ability to help the Rangers make the playoffs. From a value standpoint, they are burning off a year of his contract for only 8 guaranteed games, so it makes sense to throw him in and give him the chance to help.