Insider Reveals New York Rangers Top Defensive Prospect Has Refused To Sign With The Organization

The New York Rangers didn't seem like an appetizing option enough for prospect Drew Fortescue. Instead, the 19-year-old defenseman, signing with the team, decided to return to the NCAA and play his sophomore season with the Boston College Eagles.

New York Post's Mollie Walker reported the news today, as Rangers fans will have to be patient to learn when Fortescue will finally turn pro.

The 19-year-old defenseman was drafted 90th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft by GM Chris Drury and the Rangers.

In 76 games with the Eagles, he's scored a total of 19 points (4 goals, 15 assists).

It makes you wonder, after two seasons in the NCAA, shouldn't he want to get his feet wet in the NHL? Or has the New York Rangers situation in the media degraded so much that he's second-guessing the idea of turning pro with the team that drafted him in the 3rd-round?

Fortescue was present when his Boston College teammate Gabe Perrreault made his debut in Madison Square Garden, on the team's second line.

But he assumed that after watching them play, it wasn't worth his time to sign his ELC?

Strange.

We have questions for GM Chris Drury and the New York Rangers front office.

Fortescue has played in two World Junior Championships in the IIHF with Team USA, in 2024 and 2025 and won consecutive gold medals with Coach David Carle leading the way.