Drew Fortescue is facing a challenging situation as he tries to secure ice time with the Rangers.
As a left-handed defenseman within a team that is already stocked with similar players, it’s going to be tough for the 21-year-old, who got a brief glimpse of the NHL last season with a nine-game stint, to make the roster when training camp wraps up.
However, Fortescue isn’t letting the recent signings of veteran Marcus Pettersson and rookie Alberts Smits crush his optimism about his future in the league. His confidence about returning to the NHL remains strong.
“That’s really out of my hands,” he remarked after a recent training camp session, reflecting on the new additions. “I just need to give it my all, and regardless of who else is here, I believe I’m capable enough—and someday, whether that’s now or later, I’ll find my spot here.”
Even though he’s been practicing with Group B, Fortescue emphasized that he’s at his first NHL training camp to prove he deserves a spot on the team. In his limited time at the end of the 2025-26 season, he managed to register two assists, making the most of the opportunities available to him amidst a tough season for the Blueshirts.
“Playing at the highest level is the dream,” Fortescue said. He’s been juggling life between a hotel and his home in Pearl River during the camp. “That little experience last year felt really special.”
As the offseason rolled around, he mentioned making strides in his game, but the Rangers’ roster additions have made the road ahead seem steep. A stint with AHL Hartford is likely as they kick off the season, though injuries at the NHL level could offer him another shot sooner than expected. For now, though, it appears he has some climbing to do to reclaim a position on the Rangers.
On another note, Tye Kartye, a player the Rangers claimed off waivers last season, scored twice in a scrimmage on Saturday, bringing his total to three goals in the first three practices.
Team Blue, which Kartye was a part of, defeated Team White with a score of 4-1.
“He has a true passion for hockey,” head coach Mike Sullivan noted about Kartye, describing him as an “easy guy to root for.” He continued, “His energy is infectious. He’s eager to learn, which is important. We definitely need more players who love the game and want to improve—and Tye embodies all of that.”
Meanwhile, the Rangers’ lineups have mostly stayed the same, with Matt Rempe getting the initial run on the fourth line. Matthew Robertson had to leave practice early after taking a hit to the face and appeared to have some teeth knocked out. Cole Beaudoin, who had been day-to-day, participated fully in the scrimmage while wearing a blue jersey.
