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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Rangers rookie Drew Fortescue in his training uniform at Madison Square Garden Training Center, Image 2 shows Drew Fortescue, wearing a New York Rangers jersey, celebrates after being selected 90th overall pick during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft<\/p>\n
Growing up in Pearl River, Drew Fortescue\u2019s dad, Billy, was an Islander fan.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut as soon as I got drafted [by the Rangers], that switched pretty quickly,\u201d Fortescue told reporters after an optional skate at MSG Training Center on Monday, a couple days after signing his three-year entry-level contract<\/a> with the Blueshirts. \u201cBeing from New York and playing for the Rangers, it\u2019s something that I\u2019ve always dreamed about. I\u2019m just so excited to be here. I can\u2019t be more happy.\u201d<\/p>\n Access the Rangers beat like never before <\/p>\n Join Post Sports+ for exciting\u00a0subscriber-only features, including real-time\u00a0texting with\u00a0Mollie Walker\u00a0about the inside buzz on the Rangers.<\/p>\n tRY IT NOW <\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n It was decided that he, too, would report directly to New York and effectively burn a year of his ELC.<\/p>\n Head coach Mike Sullivan said he intends to give Fortescue some practices before inserting him into a game.<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 a Don Bosco Prep alumnus \u2014 recognizes how rare this is.<\/p>\n Drew Fotescue during rookies training camp in 2025. Robert Sabo for NY Post<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m pretty lucky for sure,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m 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\u2019ll always remember. Having them always there in my back corner to support me in anything I need is something that\u2019s really special.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Feeling ready for a new opportunity, Fortescue felt the timing was right.<\/p>\n Drew Fortescue after being drafted in 2023. Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"Drew](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/851fc68df036c7e5dd3a916961ff7668.jpeg\"\/)
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