2026 Rangers Report Card: Drew Fortescue

This article is part of an ongoing series of Rangers Report Cards, grading the performance of each member of the 2025-26 New York Rangers. To view more report cards in this series, go here.

Expectations

After both the New York Rangers and Drew Fortescue decided that returning to the NCAA for his junior season would be best for the 2023 third round pick’s development, Fortescue’s focus this season was centered on strength training in preparation for the physical demands of professional hockey. Once Boston College’s season ended, it was expected that he would join the Rangers organization in some capacity.

The Eagles lost much of their top talent and leadership after last year; look no further than Gabe Perreault, who made the jump directly to the Rangers. However, as a renowned hockey school, Boston College is always expected to compete given the influx of talent it attracts because of its prominent history. So, in the meantime, despite this potentially being a learning year for the young squad, Fortescue was expected to help lead the Eagles, earn another trip to the NCAA tournament, and continue to stand out in the competitive Hockey East, thanks to his defensive acumen and calming presence.

Performance

NCAA: 36 GP—4 G—10 A—14 Pts

NHL 9 GP—0 G—2 A—2 Pts

In his third season in the NCAA, Fortescue’s point production increased slightly for the third time, yet this was overall the worst-performing team he has been a part of since joining the NCAA ranks. While the Eagles won the Beanpot Tournament with a dominant 6-2 victory over Boston University, Boston College had played themselves into a corner as their campaign wound down. Losing the last four games of their season made the Hockey East Championship a do-or-die event for Fortescue and the Eagles. Unfortunately, they fell to the UConn Huskies in the semifinals and were simultaneously eliminated from qualifying for the national tournament.

Still, while the Eagles disappointed, Fortescue’s defense stood out. In thirty-six games, Fortescue logged over 20 minutes of ice time 26 times, including a season-high 25:19 in the Eagles’ season finale, the second most minutes of any player. The Eagles were snakebitten and struggled to generate offense, but Fortescue remained consistent, was a top-pairing option, and often deployed against opposing teams’ top offense. Fortescue still managed to sustain a positive +/- despite an overall losing season.

After his NCAA season, Fortescue and the Rangers shocked everyone. Most expected the Blueshirts to sign him to an ATO and not sacrifice a year on his entry-level contract, but GM Chris Drury and the Rangers decided that giving him a taste of NHL hockey was worth the sacrifice. This was seen as a testament to the organization’s belief in the young defenseman. Sullivan himself noted that they believed Fortescue would be an integral part of the team in the future and that the opportunity to see how he adapts to the professional pace of hockey was one they couldn’t pass up.

To avoid burying the lede, it’s safe to say Fortescue passed whatever test put before him with flying colors. In his first NHL game, Fortescue played well and his devoted hockey community of over 200 family and friends at MSG made every play of his audible to the audiences watching the broadcast from home. The gasp when he hit the post and the pop from the crowd when he logged his first assist were probably two of the loudest moments the Garden had all season.

He would go on to play nine games total for the Rangers, showcasing steady defensive prowess and the ability to make a breakout pass. All in all, he proved he’s not out of place in the big league. Eventually registering another point, Fortescue ended his nine-game run with two points. A small sample size, but perhaps a positive sign of what the future with Fortescue on the back end could look like.

The Rangers/Mike Sullivan made the decision to sit Fortescue in the midst of his NHL run. This sparked some controversy among the media and fans, with Drury taking a lot of flak for the choice. For context, when the decision was announced, it was reported that if Fortescue had played in ten games this season, he would have qualified for an $80,000 bonus. But due to the one scratch, he would not be able to hit that goal. It was later clarified that the signing bonus was not the impetus for the healthy scratch, but that the Rangers keeping Fortescue below the ten-game threshold would allow them more control as he comes out of his ELC.

This piece of news quickly blew out of proportion, as is often the case with New York Rangers stories. But Mike Sullivan took the opportunity to share some thoughts on Fortescue’s developmental progress. Sullivan highlighted the Dallas Stars’ strength and size as a mismatch concern and noted that it was the perfect chance for Fortescue to watch the game from above, look for specific things in the play, and review tape with his coaches after the game.

Fortescue has fit in since joining the Rangers, but this was a rare glimpse into how younger players learn. Despite not looking out of place, Fortescue is still adapting to the NHL's pace, and although he has put on 20 pounds of muscle since being drafted, this was a clear indication that the coaching staff believes he still has room to grow.

Grades

Author Grade: B

Banter Consensus: B-

Final Evaluation

While his NCAA season ended well short of expectations, the main problem plaguing the Eagles was their consistency on offense. Fortescue is many things, but he's not going to lead your team's offensive effort. He's more akin to the modern-day NHL defensive defenseman who can keep up, make a good pass, and allow his offensive linemates the stability, safety net, and space to create and take risks. Fortescue held up his end of the bargain for the Eagles, but their offense under performed and couldn't find chemistry when it mattered most.

After unexpectedly joining the Rangers in the NHL, Fortescue turned some heads with his ability to lock in defensively and keep up, even though many thought he'd need more time in the AHL to adapt to the faster, more physical pace of professional hockey. Fortescue's season and his joining the Rangers were unexpected, but it's safe to say it was a successful surprise.