New York Rangers’ Gabe Perrault Honors Legendary NHL Father While Making His Big Debut

A few days back, the New York Rangers decided to turn up the heat and toss their top prospect, Gabe Perreault, straight into the NHL fire. Fresh off his sophomore season at Boston College—literally less than 24 hours after his team’s NCAA quarterfinal loss—the 19-year-old put pen to paper on his first big-league contract. A three-year, $2.825 million deal? Not bad for a kid who was just lacing up for college hockey the day before. With a sweet salary cap hit and some juicy performance bonuses in the mix, Perreault was officially stepping into the big leagues.

But the real magic happened on April 2, when he made his highly anticipated debut against the Minnesota Wild. And this wasn’t just any rookie debut—Gabe Perreault made sure to make it extra special. While hitting the ice for the first time in an NHL sweater, he found a way to pay tribute to the man who paved the way: his legendary father, Yanic Perreault. From growing up watching his dad dominate the league to now skating in his own debut, it was a night drenched in history, family pride, and a whole lot of hockey magic.

The NHL took to X on April 2 to drop some serious nostalgia bombs, sharing a side-by-side of hockey history in the making. One shot? A throwback to Yanic Perreault, rocking that iconic #94 jersey back in his playing days. The other? His son, Gabe Perreault, stepping onto the ice for his big-league debut, repping the very same number. A full-circle, heart-melting, hockey-dad-dream kind of moment.

And honestly, does it get any more wholesome than this? The NHL nailed it with their caption, saying, “Like father, like son. Gabe Perreault is wearing the same #94 for the @NYRangers tonight that his dad Yanic donned for a large part of his NHL career!” Safe to say, this wasn’t just any jersey choice—this was a tribute stitched into that legendary #94.

Like father, like son

Gabe Perreault is wearing the same #94 for the @NYRangers tonight that his dad Yanic donned for a large part of his NHL career! pic.twitter.com/aMpR5m15YH

— NHL (@NHL) April 3, 2025

With a legendary name like Yanic Perreault in the family, it’s no surprise that Gabe chose to honor his father in his NHL debut. Yanic, a true face-off wizard, spent 14 seasons dominating the league, earning his spot as one of the greatest to ever control the dot. Holding the NHL record for the highest face-off win percentage (62.86%), he set a gold standard that still stands tall after the 2023-24 season. Beyond the ice, he’s been shaping the next generation, coaching the Chicago Mission 2005 youth team and even helping the Blackhawks sharpen their skills at the dot.

 A legacy this rich deserved a nod, and Gabe made sure to deliver in style! And guess what? Gabe spilled the reason behind his choice, proving that his debut wasn’t just about stepping into the NHL but about carrying forward his father’s iconic legacy. From one Perreault to another, the story continues, and honestly, it doesn’t get more wholesome than this!

Gabe Perreault reveals the reason behind the jersey!

Before the puck even dropped, everyone knew Gabe Perreault would be rocking that iconic #94 for the Rangers in his NHL debut. And as it turns out, it was Yanic himself who planted the idea in Gabe’s mind. “Growing up, I’ve always had a number with a 4 in it,” Gabe shared. “When I talked to my Dad, I think he suggested it a little bit, so definitely because of him a little bit.” Now, that’s what you call a full-circle moment!

Yanic’s NHL journey spanned 14 seasons, taking him through the rinks of the Kings, Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Predators, Blackhawks, and Coyotes. He knew what it took to make it to the big stage, and now his son was stepping into the same spotlight. For Gabe, there was no better way to show gratitude than by carrying his father’s number forward. “I’ll be excited,” he admitted before the game. “Obviously, a little bit nervous. But I know that’s part of it. That’s expected, but I’d be super grateful and really thankful for everyone that’s helped me get to this point.” And with that, the stage was set for a debut to remember!

As for the game? Oh, it was a thriller! Vincent Trocheck wasted no time sealing the deal, scoring just 24 seconds into overtime to give the Rangers a 5-4 win over the Wild at Madison Square Garden. Artemi Panarin was on fire with a goal and two assists, while Igor Shesterkin held things down in net with 20 saves. The Wild didn’t go down easy, with Marcus Johansson, Brock Faber, and Gustav Nyquist all finding the back of the net, but in the end, the night belonged to the Blueshirts. And for Gabe Perreault? It was a debut wrapped in history, heart, and one unforgettable win!

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