Here’s why the Rangers need to strengthen their defense prospect pipeline.
This week’s question is from Stamatos Petratos in Bayside Hills, New York.
Should the Rangers prioritize drafting defensive talent given their strong forward prospect pool?
That’s a valid observation. Although the Rangers’ defense is relatively strong on paper, their pool of defensive prospects needs improvement.
According to one Hockey News talent evaluation, three forwards—Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann, and Adam Sykora—were rated higher than the top defense prospect, Drew Fortescue.
Out of the top ten prospects, only one other defenseman, Matthew Robertson, was mentioned, and he was listed last.
Interestingly, the Rangers traded up to select Fortescue, who hails from Pearl River, New York, known as Blueshirt Country.
Chosen 90th overall in the 2023 Draft, Fortescue is 6-2, 170 pounds, and is projected to be a fourth or fifth defenseman if he makes it to the NHL.
That said, it’s anticipated that the team will focus more on defensemen in next year’s Draft.
Keep an eye on these Rangers defense prospects: E.J. Emery from North Dakota and Rasmus Larsson from Northern Michigan.
In the Hartford Wolf Pack, notable hopefuls include Ben Harpur, Connor Mackey, Victor Mancini, and Casey Fitzgerald.
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