New York Rangers Prospect Drew Fortescue Considered A Top Shutdown Defenseman
Photo credit: Peter Carr/The Journal news
It seemed that New York Rangers prospect Drew Fortescue may never escape the shadow of Gabe Perreault. However, the 20-year-old, two-time World Juniors Champion has emerged now that Perreault has finally turned pro.
The 20-year-old defenseman has made a name for himself playing at Boston College and winning two consecutive gold medals in 2024 and 2025.
Perreault got the higher billing, of course, due to his highly-skilled game, and of course, having a connection to his father, a former NHLer, helps.
Now with the 20-year-old emerging in the media, people are beginning to take notice of what he can offer on the ice.
Instead of being "othered," he'll have a lens of scrutiny that follows him around this season.
NHL.com's Mike Morreale has already seen what Fortescue can do for the Rangers after observing him play in two World Championships.
«Some players just have that ability about them to be able to play well on an international stage. Fortescue is right in that mold,» Morreale told Forever Blueshirts on the RINK RAP podcast. «He's a tremendous shutdown defenseman on the left side, and that was an area that the U.S. needed. And not only is he a shutdown guy, but he's strong, he's abrasive in the corners.»
Two-Time Gold Medallist Overshadowed by Teammates
Being overshadowed by his teammates like James Hagens, Ryan Leonard, and Cole Hutson has become a regularity. Instead of seeking the spotlight, he's been the secret linchpin for his team.
Playing on Team USA's top-four, he's scored 4 points (1-3) in seven games and proven himself a more than capable shutdown defenseman.
«He was just phenomenal,» Morreale stated. «I remember (assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey and former Rangers goalie) John Vanbiesbrouck saying Drew was a major, major piece on that team and winning that second gold medal.»
The goal of this season for the New York native was to return to the BC Eagles to play his junior year, to grow his skill base, and fill out his frame.
Fortescue is already a shining star in Morreale's eyes as he's a capable physical defenseman who can hit, position himself right on the ice, and utilize his 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame to his advantage on the ice.
He could turn out to be a shoo-in for the left side of the Rangers defense in 2026-27.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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