Drew Fortescue’s NHL Journey
Drew Fortescue is making his mark in the NHL with the New York Rangers after inking a three-year entry-level contract back in March. The young defenseman transitioned directly from Boston College, where he spent three seasons, to the professional ranks, and his performance over the last seven games has drawn the attention of head coach Mike Sullivan.
Coach’s Praise
Sullivan has expressed admiration for Fortescue’s ability to handle the puck and understand the game. “His puck poise and vision have really stood out to me,” noted Sullivan. “He approaches each play intelligently, not just dumping the puck, but aiming for decisive tape-to-tape passes. He demonstrates both composure and confidence, particularly in creating opportunities during breakouts without resorting to overly cautious play. His style is smart rather than safe or reckless, which is crucial for a young player.”
Partnership with Braden Schneider
Throughout his initial games with the Rangers, Fortescue has primarily been partnered with veteran defenseman Braden Schneider. Sullivan emphasized the advantage of having Schneider alongside Fortescue, describing him as a dependable NHL player with solid defensive skills.
“Schneids is a legitimate NHL defenseman, known for his strong defensive play and good mobility,” Sullivan added. “The left-right pairing has been beneficial, as Schneider provides a stabilizing presence for Fortescue. Young defensemen greatly benefit from the predictability of having someone like Schneider on the ice—he’s consistently in the right position, which helps guide them as they adjust to the professional game.”
Early Performance
At just 20 years of age, Fortescue has already notched two assists while averaging nearly 15 minutes of ice time per game, showcasing his potential in the league’s early stages.
