Home Opener, Perreault Debate, Smits ELC

The NHL revealed the 32 home openers today, with the rest of the schedule to be released tomorrow. The New York Rangers will face the Boston Bruins in the second of three games on the Opening Night schedule on September 29 on ESPN. The 2026-27 season begins a little bit earlier than usual due to the addition of two contests for each team.

New York is part of three home openers. September 29 in Boston, as mentioned above. October 1 at MSG against Tampa Bay. The next night, October 2, on the road versus Detroit. Three games in four nights to begin the season. The condensed schedule is partially due to 84 versus 82 games, but more so to try and end the playoffs earlier than late June, which has been the case more often than not. Depth will be key given the potential for a substantial number of back-to-backs or three contests in four nights this season. 

Gabe Perreault’s upside was a topic of debate on The Athletic’s Hockey Show podcast, which discussed the site’s ranking of the top 100 prospects. Scott Wheeler and Flo Hockey’s Chris Peters were on the positive side of the conversation while Wheeler’s colleague at the Athletic, Corey Pronman, looks to have an irrational dislike for Perreault as a prospect. 

Perreault settled in beautifully after a rough start, meshing well with Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere. Whether he stays on a line with that duo or skates next to JT Miller remains to be seen. But he showed last season that his prospect status was not overblown, using his hockey IQ and sense along with his skills to be in the right place at the right time. Underestimate him at your own peril. 

The Rangers inked their first-round pick, Alberts Smits, taken fifth overall this year, to an entry-level contract Wednesday. Smits, as I wrote yesterday, will contend for a roster spot in training camp. Personally, despite his playing in two European men’s leagues this past season and having a strong chance to break camp, I think he would benefit from time at Hartford.

New York has rushed players way too frequently and should value long-term growth rather than a short-term gain, even if Smits is ready. Let him learn and marinate under Jay Leach before he is promoted.