Editor's note: This is the final part of our series ranking the top prospects for the New York Rangers. Check out players previously profiled using the following links.

There are several overused clichés often heard among NHL talent evaluators. "Hockey IQ" is high on that list.

Gabe Perreault has heard the term plenty of times over the years, but the 20-year-old winger has his own definition. To him, it's more about instinct and anticipation than intelligence.

"You say, 'Hockey IQ,' but I think it's just knowing the play before it happens," he said Monday from the MSG Training Center in Tarrytown, N.Y. "That's something I've always had. When I was a kid, I wasn't the fastest or biggest or strongest guy, so I had to kind of find a different way around the game. I think that's when I got that, and it carried all the way through."

That knack for creating offense made Perreault the clear choice for No. 1 in our rankings of New York Rangers prospects.

The only dissenting voice among those polled was colleague Corey Pronman, who placed the Boston College product fourth in his rankings last month, citing concerns about his "5-foot-11 frame and lack of foot speed." But the majority of coaches, scouts and other sources - including The Athletic's other prospect expert, Scott Wheeler -- believe Perreault belongs at the top.

"Unbelievably talented player," said an opposing NCAA coach who's familiar with Perreault's game. "His best asset is his brain. He has the potential to be the best NHLer of those three."

Those three would be Perreault, Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals) and Will Smith (San Jose Sharks) - a trio that dazzled throughout their time together with BC and the U.S. National Development Program. Leonard and Smith were top-10 picks in 2023, while the Rangers snagged Perreault at No. 23.

Physically, he's the smallest and least developed of the three. But his perceived upside stems from that elite processing capacity.

"He's a stud," Smith said last season. "Best vision I've ever played with."

High-end players like Leonard and Smith relish playing with Perreault because he makes their jobs easier.

Their college coach, Greg Brown, believes Perreault's ability to elevate teammates will make him a glue guy on an NHL scoring line.

"He reads what other offensive-minded players are thinking, and he can help facilitate in a lot of those situations," Brown said. "He just keeps things moving in the direction that those top players also see."

It's a trait Perreault has had for as long as he can remember, explaining, "As levels go up, you get less and less time. But I think it's been the same at every level. The play kind of slows down a little bit for me."

He credits his father, Yanic, whose NHL career spanned 14 seasons.

"He was my coach growing up, and that's one of the things he always said to me: 'Make plays,'" Perreault said. "He was a super smart player, and I think a lot of my smarts come from him."

After setting the USNTDP record with 132 points (53 goals and 79 assists) across 63 games in his draft year, Perreault went on to accumulate 108 points (35 goals and 73 assists) over 73 games in two seasons at BC.

His production speaks for itself, with those points coming from multiple spots on the ice. He's a natural left winger who says he's also comfortable on the right, while Brown noted using him in both the bumper and flank on the power play.

"He can really play any of those positions," the BC coach said. "I'm sure he could even play the goal line, depending on the look that the power play wanted to have. He has a lot of strengths and a great ability to know where he should move the puck before he gets it."

That offensive aptitude will remain Perreault's calling card, but Brown is confident he'll have no problem grasping defensive systems as he enters his first full pro season.

"He will pick up on the hockey side of that very quickly," he said. "The physical side will take time."

Therein lies the biggest question that comes up when discussing Perreault's NHL readiness.

He's listed at 5-11, 180 pounds and isn't considered an especially strong skater, so how will he handle the physicality and speed of the NHL game?

He had a brief five-game sample late last season, and while he failed to register a point or make a noticeable impact in limited ice time, Brown thought he looked "comfortable."

"His brain, to me, it was operating at the same speed as the game, which is a great sign," he said. "He was making decisions at the right time. It wasn't late, which can happen when you jump into the NHL like that."

Still, there's a prevailing belief that Perreault would benefit from a grace period in the AHL. Those plans could change if he surprises and wins a spot with the Rangers, but a stint with Hartford to begin the season could serve as a valuable stepping stone.

Perreault understands the need to get bigger and faster, particularly so he can create enough separation to allow his playmaking to shine, but he's never going to be a thumper. The key will be adapting his game to highlight his strengths, rather than trying to become something he isn't.

"Obviously, I know that I need to get physically stronger," he said. "But I think with the way I play, sometimes instead of physicality, my smarts take over. So, it's definitely a little bit of both."

That's where the hockey IQ comes into play. Perreault has figured out ways to produce offense at every level so far, including a couple of standout tournaments while helping Team USA win back-to-back World Junior titles.

He's the most skilled and creative prospect in New York's system, which gives him the highest likelihood of playing a top-six role in the near future.

"Especially for the Rangers on an entry-level deal, he's going to make them real dangerous for a couple years while he's working his way up," said a scout who followed Perreault at BC. "The talent is NHL talent. I don't know if superstar is the right word, but I think he'll figure it out. He's got a brain, he's got great hands. He'll find a way. He can play with skilled players. It's so tough to play with those players. We'll see if he's strong enough at this point, but he's going to be good."

Rangers 2025-26 prospect rankings: 'Hockey IQ' defining trait for No. 1