As the winter gets underway, we're getting to the start of the World Junior Championships. Two New York Ranger prospects will be representing Team USA ahead of the tournament as Gabe Perreault and Drew Fortescue will dawn the red, white, and blue of our nation before they come to the concrete jungle and attempt to fill the demands of the iconic Blueshirt of the New York Rangers. As the Rangers look for more from their prospect pool, these two will be essential parts.
Starting with Perreault, he's been off to a pretty hot start in the NCAA. Through sixteen games with the Boston College Eagles, the dynamic winger has collected seven goals and 16 assists for 24 points in 16 games. He's been a significant success in Beantown for the Eagles and living up to his first-round pedigree. While the Rangers aren't getting to benefit yet, the organization's future looks brighter with him in it.
Drew Fortescue has followed in the successful footprints his Boston College teammate set. The big defenseman has just four points in his 16 games this season, all of which are assists, but he's shown the promise the Rangers hoped for when they grabbed the 6'2 defenseman in the third round of the 2023 NHL entry draft. New York has seen his development, especially in his end, and can be hopeful he'll improve the organization in a few years.
While neither is ready for the bright Broadway lights, the Blueshirts faithful can enjoy a taste of the future with the two Eagles teammates. Both NCAA products will return to the school after the tournament, but they will get a taste of the highest level of competition in their age bracket. While it's not a fix to the current ailments, it's better than nothing for the Rangers moving forward.