A product of the USA Hockey National Development Team Program, Gabe Perreault naturally had conversations with management about participating in this summer’s World Championship in Switzerland after his Rangers season came to an early end.
Perreault ultimately decided not to compete for his country next month, citing the importance of his upcoming offseason.
“I think this is a big summer for me,” said Perreault, who will spend part of the offseason training in New York. “I want to spend more time in the gym and be able to put some more strength on. I think that was one of the bigger things that I needed.”
Over the final 22 games of the season, Perreault (who is listed at 180 pounds) skated on the left wing of the top line next to Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafrenière. While he saw additional time in the middle six this season, the 20-year-old was at his most effective while playing off of Zibanejad.
