Rangers’ Gabe Perreault to be healthy scratch against Flyers

One of the young stars on Broadway will be getting good use out of his suit tonight.

After the team’s morning skate, New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette confirmed that forward Gabe Perreault will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Taking his place will be Brett Berard, who was held out of the lineup in Monday’s 5-1 loss over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Laviolette stated that the lineup decision can be a learning experience for the rookie forward.

“Coming in,” Laviolette said. “I think for a young player — especially straight out of college — there’s going to be times I think where you can teach him and show him and let him watch and learn and practice and play in some games, as well. Where he’s had good impact in the game, where the impact can be more.”

Perreault has played three games with the Rangers since signing his three-year, entry-level contract 10 days ago. The 19-year-old has averaged 13:31 of ice time, posting a plus/minus of -1 while registering four shots on goal. The Blueshirts have gone 1-2-0 with Perreault in the lineup.

Orginally taken 23rd overall by the Rangers in the 2023 NHL Draft, Perreault became one of the best players outside of the league in his two seasons at Boston College. Playing with the likes of fellow NHLers Ryan Leonard, Will Smith and Cutter Gauthier, the Sherbrooke, Quebec native has been able to show his ability as an exceptional playmaker, with a knack of scoring goals himself.

After earning Hockey East All-Rookie team honors last season, Perreault ended his college career with a 48-point campaign, placing him second on the team in scoring behind Leonard. Perreault also experienced international success, winning back-to-back gold medals with Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championship.

The Rangers (36-34-7) are fourth in the Metropolitan Division, eight points back of the last Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.