The Rangers hoped Drew Fortescue would be able to get his feet wet before throwing him into the fire at the pro level.

However, the team hasn’t been practicing as much with their heavy schedule over the past week, so the coaching staff decided to scrap that plan.

Fortescue will instead be inserted into the Blueshirts’ lineup and make his NHL debut on Friday night against the Chicago Blackhawks.

“I’m pretty excited,” he said following Friday's morning skate. “Ever since I was a kid it’s been a dream to play in the NHL, having that opportunity it’s something that I’m really grateful for and I'm really looking forward to.”

Fortescue was New York’s third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

He spent the past three seasons serving as a mainstay on Boston College’s blueline, but decided less than 24 hours after his junior campaign came to a close that he wanted to take his game to the next level.

The team officially announced he'd signed his three-year, entry-level deal on Saturday.

“It’s always been the plan after my junior year to turn pro,” Fortescue said. “We thought it was the right decision -- obviously sucks leaving BC, but I was ready for a new opportunity and I’m super excited to be here.”

Fortescue has received texts from several close friends who will be in attendance, including some of his college teammates, as was the case for fellow Blueshirt Gabe Perreault’s debut.

While the 20-year-old expects some nerves, he’s just trying to focus on playing his game.

“Going out there I’ll probably be nervous, but it’s just another game,” he said. “I’ve been doing it my whole life and I’m confident in what I can do, so I’m just going to go out there and work my hardest and see what happens.”

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