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The Rangers brought Gabe Perreault to New York believing the 19-year-old winger can not only help the team as they push for a playoff spot, but also garner valuable experience for his development under such circumstances. 

A whole year of his entry-level contract would not have been sacrificed otherwise. 

It is under that sentiment that Perreault’s starting point in the Blueshirts lineup was likely a no-brainer for head coach Peter Laviolette, who slotted the organization’s top prospect right onto the second line next to Alexis Lafrenière and J.T. Miller, as well as the second power-play unit, during his first official practice on Tuesday in Tarrytown. 

Laviolette, as usual, wouldn’t say if Perreault would make his NHL debut Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden against the Wild, but the Blueshirts surely didn’t bring him to New York to watch from the press box.