Rangers' Kartye Impresses Early On, Fortescue Set for NHL Debut

Undrafted forward Tye Kartye has made an immediate impact since joining the Rangers, while prospect Drew Fortescue is poised to make his NHL debut soon.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:50pm

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Tye Kartye has been a pleasant surprise for the New York Rangers since the organization claimed him off waivers from the Seattle Kraken in late February. The undrafted forward has racked up 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points in his first 12 games with the Blueshirts, already matching his production from the first 40 games of the season with the Kraken. Meanwhile, the Rangers are set to give another prospect, Drew Fortescue, his NHL debut in the coming days after signing him to an entry-level contract.

Why it matters

Kartye's strong early play has provided a boost to the Rangers' middle-six forward group, while Fortescue's impending debut is an exciting development for the team's pipeline of young talent. The Rangers have had success in the past integrating college free agents like Gabe Perreault, and they're hoping Fortescue can follow a similar path.

The details

Kartye has primarily skated in the Rangers' middle six since joining the team, but has also seen time on the wing alongside captain J.T. Miller and Conor Sheary. Head coach Mike Sullivan has also worked Kartye into the penalty-killing rotation, where he's averaged 1:20 of shorthanded ice time per game. Sullivan has praised Kartye's energy, puck pursuit, and defensive responsibility. As for Fortescue, the Rangers plan to get him at least one practice with the team before potentially debuting him as soon as Friday's game against the Blackhawks.

  • Kartye was claimed off waivers from the Kraken in late February 2026.
  • Kartye has 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points in his first 12 games with the Rangers.
  • Fortescue signed his entry-level contract with the Rangers the day before the team's March 22, 2026 game against the Jets.
  • Fortescue is expected to practice with the Rangers on March 23, 2026 and could make his NHL debut on March 24, 2026 against the Blackhawks.

The players

Tye Kartye

An undrafted forward who has provided a boost to the Rangers' middle-six group since being claimed off waivers from the Seattle Kraken in late February 2026.

Drew Fortescue

A prospect who recently signed an entry-level contract with the Rangers and is poised to make his NHL debut in the coming days.

J.T. Miller

The Rangers' captain, who has played on a line with Kartye and praised his speed and puck pursuit.

Conor Sheary

A forward who has also skated on a line with Kartye and Miller.

Mike Sullivan

The Rangers' head coach, who has lauded Kartye's energy, defensive responsibility, and overall play since joining the team.

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What they’re saying

“Just his speed. I like playing with guys like that, that are relentless and a very good forechecker. Backs the D off, even if he doesn't have the puck, he's backing him off because he's slashing out or whatever. It's a simple game. I like playing with him and [Conor Sheary].”

— J.T. Miller, Rangers captain

“I think Tye's played great for us. He's a great kid, first and foremost. He brings great energy to the rink. He loves hockey. He loves to be on the ice. He loves to practice. He's enthusiastic, and I think that energy is contagious. He can really skate. The one thing that jumps out to me is his puck-pursuit game, the offensive zone, just hunting pucks and hunting down defensemen and taking their time and space away. I think he creates opportunity for him and his linemates when he does it. And he's a pretty conscientious guy defensively. He has a good stick. He's willing to block shots...I think he's been a welcomed addition to our lineup.”

— Mike Sullivan, Rangers head coach

What’s next

The Rangers are scheduled to play the Ottawa Senators on March 23, 2026, and the expectation is that Fortescue will get at least one practice with the team before potentially making his NHL debut as soon as the March 24, 2026 game against the Blackhawks.

The takeaway

Kartye's early success with the Rangers has provided a boost to their middle-six forward group, while the impending debut of prospect Drew Fortescue is an exciting development for the team's pipeline of young talent. The Rangers have had success in the past integrating college free agents, and they're hoping Fortescue can follow a similar path to contributing at the NHL level.