After an Impressive 25-26 Debut, What’s Next for the Rangers 21-Year-Old Rookie Defenseman?
The New York Rangers offseason continues, and with still a month remaining until the 2026 NHL Draft, there's plenty to be done before next season. With the fifth overall pick in their possession, the Blueshirts look to make the most of their unfortunate lottery result and turn the team around. Currently holding the fifth and 26th overall picks in the first round, New York is more likely to use their fifth to finally build some defense, an aspect they’ve struggled with for as long as fans can remember. The addition of a top defenseman prospect, as well as the likely addition of one or two more, depending on when free agency hits, leaves a question for a certain New York rookie. Having gotten a taste of the NHL late into last season, does this 21-year-old rookie defenseman have a spot in MSG next season, or does it benefit more to have him begin in Hartford?
Debuting on March 27th at Madison Square Garden, Drew Fortescue made his milestone night one to remember. Having developed through the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, the 21-year-old spent two seasons in the USHL, playing 56 games, and grew into the kind of presence the Blueshirts could use. Drafted by the Rangers in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft, Fortescue went on to spend three seasons at Boston College, continuing to grow as each season unfolded. Ending the 24-25 season with 11 points in 36 games, the New York native took a step forward a season later to record four goals and 10 assists in 36 games. A big step up indeed, and he was rewarded generously with a spot on the Rangers lineup and made a significant impact on his first NHL game.
When it comes to debuting in the NHL, it’s not just about reaching that level; it's about looking back at the years of growth, hard work, and commitment that define this very moment for a young player. The hours put into the rookie defenseman's development had at long last paid off, as he went on to contribute in a 6-1 win against the Chicago Blackhawks, a rare fun victory in a rather dark season. Not only was it the six-foot-two defenseman's first taste in the NHL, but his first career point that night as well, as he went on to set up Jonny Brodzinski’s second goal of the game, securing his first of many points in his NHL career. Making an early impact already for the Blueshirts, the 90th overall pick ended his brief time in the NHL with two points in nine games to end the season. The significance of his presence was clear. Now, do they bring that with them to begin next season?
When you bring a player with such potential into the mix, the biggest question to ask is whether they will get the ice time they deserve. Rookies need to play meaningful minutes, though if they can’t break into at least the top in ice time on the team, it’s mainly best they log their minutes in the AHL rather than sitting on the NHL bench. As the Blueshirts look to potentially bring a few free agent defensemen to New York, it leaves the former USHL player more likely to begin next season with the Wolf Pack. With more minutes in Hartford, Fortescue can play in all situations, learn to be professional, and, most importantly, build more confidence away from such an intense spotlight. With the Wolf Pack looking to rebuild as well following their last-place finish last season, it could very much be beneficial for the young New York native, and perhaps a few other rookies as well. There’s plenty to figure out before the start of the 2026-27 season, but a big question is, do rookies like Fortescue benefit closer or farther away from the spotlight?
