Growing up in Pearl River, Drew Fortescue’s dad, Billy, was an Islander fan.
“But as soon as I got drafted [by the Rangers], that switched pretty quickly,” Fortescue told reporters after an optional skate at MSG Training Center on Monday, a couple days after signing his three-year entry-level contract with the Blueshirts. “Being from New York and playing for the Rangers, it’s something that I’ve always dreamed about. I’m just so excited to be here. I can’t be more happy.”
Just like his Boston College teammate Gabe Perreault, less than 24 hours after the conclusion of his collegiate season on Friday, Fortescue put pen to paper on his first professional contract.
It was decided that he, too, would report directly to New York and effectively burn a year of his ELC.
Head coach Mike Sullivan said he intends to give Fortescue some practices before inserting him into a game.
The 20-year-old defenseman, who the Rangers drafted 90th overall in 2023, has not taken being close to his family during this transition for granted. Coming from a family with deep roots in the hockey community, Fortescue — a Don Bosco Prep alumnus — recognizes how rare this is.
“I’m pretty lucky for sure,” he said. “I’m not sure how many people ever get that chance. Coming home and seeing them and giving them a hug as soon as all the news broke is something that I’ll always remember. Having them always there in my back corner to support me in anything I need is something that’s really special.”
Fortescue said the plan was always for him to turn pro after his junior season at BC. There were conversations between both parties last season, but they ultimately decided to hold off until the following year.
Feeling ready for a new opportunity, Fortescue felt the timing was right.
He met the rest of the team after the 3-2 shootout loss to the Jets on Sunday, which included a brief exchange with Perreault. Fortescue said having Perreault around, after just going through a similar situation, helps make it easier on him.
Improving his strength is an area that Fortescue has been working on for some time. He believes he still has “a long way to go,” but Fortescue aspires to bring his ability to shutdown top opponents — a strength of his at BC — to the NHL.
“Being around these guys, I think, it’s going to push me and make me see what I need to work on,” said Fortescue, who modeled his game after former Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh. “I think that’s something that I’m excited [about], and having that opportunity to come here is going to be able to show me that as quick as possible. I’m going to try and learn the best I can from all these guys and take what I’ve learned in this short time and use it in the summer to try and get ready for next year as well.”
Sullivan said he “would be surprised” if Matt Rempe plays again this season.
Rempe missed his 14th straight game Monday as he recovers from a second procedure on his thumb, which he broke in a fight with the Sharks’ Ryan Reaves on Oct 23. He was sidelined for 24 consecutive contests the first time around, but it didn’t completely heal and required another procedure.
