Rangers Prospect Drew Fortescue Prepares for NHL Debut

Boston College coach Greg Brown shares insights on the young defenseman's potential

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:59pm

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As the New York Rangers look to the future, one of their top prospects, defenseman Drew Fortescue, is poised to make his NHL debut after finishing his sophomore season at Boston College. Fortescue's former coach, Greg Brown, who also previously worked as an assistant with the Rangers, provided insights on what fans can expect from the young blueliner.

Why it matters

The Rangers are in the midst of a retool, and Fortescue is seen as a key part of their future plans. His NHL debut will be closely watched, as the team hopes he can develop into a reliable two-way defenseman to help anchor their blue line for years to come.

The details

Fortescue was a third-round pick by the Rangers in the 2023 NHL Draft. After completing his sophomore season at Boston College, he is now set to join the Rangers and potentially make his NHL debut in the final 10 games of the season. Fortescue's former coach, Greg Brown, previously served as an assistant with the Rangers under David Quinn, so he has a unique perspective on what the young defenseman can bring to the table.

  • Fortescue finished his sophomore season at Boston College.
  • Fortescue is expected to make his NHL debut with the Rangers in the final 10 games of the season.

The players

Drew Fortescue

A third-round draft pick by the New York Rangers in 2023, Fortescue is a defenseman who just completed his sophomore season at Boston College and is now set to make his NHL debut with the Rangers.

Greg Brown

The head coach of the Boston College hockey team, Brown previously served as an assistant coach with the New York Rangers under David Quinn.

Gabe Perreault

A first-round pick by the Rangers in 2023, Perreault made his NHL debut with the team last season and has since blossomed into a key contributor on the first line.

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What they’re saying

“Fortescue has practiced with the team and is seemingly set to make his NHL debut at any point over the final 10 games.”

— Andrew Crane, Author

What’s next

The Rangers will monitor Fortescue's progress and performance as he makes his NHL debut over the final 10 games of the season, with an eye towards him becoming a key part of their defensive core in the years to come.

The takeaway

The Rangers' retool is being bolstered by the development of their top prospects, including Fortescue and Perreault. Fortescue's NHL debut will be an important milestone as the team looks to build a sustainable contender for the future.