When the Rangers visit the Wild in St. Paul on Saturday afternoon, it’ll come with a likely change to the lineup. After missing the last five games, J.T. Miller is expected to return. Assuming he plays, Miller would replace Gabe Perreault on the top power play unit after taking reps in practice.

Without Miller, the Rangers enter play having won four of five, taking a three-game winning streak into today’s game. Perreault has found chemistry on the number one line with Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere. With three consecutive two-point efforts over the last three games, the 20-year-old forward is growing in confidence. He’s combined with Lafreniere and Zibanejad for some nice goals. In a 4-0 victory over the Flames on Mar. 10, it was his playmaking that was on full display with a pair of good passes that led to Lafreniere recording his second career hat trick.

In their most recent win over Winnipeg, Perreault helped set up another Lafreniere goal thanks to some diligent work on the forecheck that led to Will Borgen’s shot being deflected in by Lafreniere. With the game tied in the final period, Perreault notched the game-winner when Lafreniere moved the puck up for a Braden Schneider shot pass that the rookie put away for his seventh.

While continuing to have success at 5-on-5 with his linemates, Perreault has also contributed positively to the power play. In a 6-2 win over the Flyers on Mar. 9, he had a power-play goal and had a behind the back feed that Zibanejad put away. His ability to make plays with the puck has made him a good asset on the 5-on-4.

Of his 17 points, 13 have come at even strength with four on the power play. Even when he hasn’t produced on the man-advantage, Perreault has been very effective with the top unit, which includes Zibanejad, Lafreniere, Adam Fox, and Vincent Trocheck. By demoting him to the second power play, it feels like Mike Sullivan is catering to Miller.

“I don’t think he would look at it as a demotion. Gabe is playing extremely well right now, and so we’ll continue to work with him and to try to continue to help him grow and develop his game. We’ll put him in situations where we think it sets him up for success,” Sullivan told reporters yesterday.

At this point of the season, a veteran who’s been a polarizing player shouldn’t be prioritized over a younger player with promise. Even if he has a point about Miller, who’s been part of the first unit’s success, with it ranked in the top 10, Sullivan is using it as an excuse. He should do what’s best for the team moving forward, which shouldn’t come at Perreault’s expense.

By going back to Miller on the top unit, the Rangers are playing three centers together. Even when they had Artemi Panarin, they never did that. There’s no reason to have Zibanejad, Miller, and Trocheck on the same five-man unit. One should anchor the second unit. That way Perreault can remain on the number one unit.

In somewhat of a role reversal, Sullivan hinted that he plans to use Miller at center. Rather than have him return to play with Trocheck on the same line, that would mean Noah Laba also gets demoted from the third unit. Laba has been having success with new addition Tye Kartye and Conor Sheary. The trio has played well since being put together by combining for 10 points over the last four games. Since returning from the break, Laba has found an extra gear. He and the very active Kartye work well together. Separating them doesn’t make sense.

Assuming Miller takes over on the third line, that would leave Laba to anchor the fourth line. With Taylor Raddysh also expected back to join the second line, that would leave Laba to work with Adam Edstrom and Jaroslav Chmelar. Interestingly, Edstrom played up with Trocheck and Will Cuylle, and scored a goal on Thursday. If he goes back down for Raddysh, isn’t that counterproductive?

The Rangers aren’t making the playoffs. There’s 17 games remaining, including a good litmus test at Minnesota later. Even now, with the team playing its best hockey of the season, the lineup decisions are puzzling.