Gabriel Perreault and Drew Fortescue's prospect status skyrocketed following the junior showcase.
Gabriel Perreault and Drew Fortescue earned gold medals at the World Junior Championship, as the United States defeated Sweden in the championship game 6-2.
The 18-year-old Perreault had a monster showcase, posting three goals and seven assists in eight games played.
Fortescue added one goal and two assists in eight games of the tournament, skating alongside New Jersey Devils prospect Seamus Casey.
Perreault skated alongside long-time linemates Will Smith and Ryan Leonard. They played together in the United States National Development Program and currently skate on a line for the Boston College Eagles this season.
His IQ and playmaking were on full display in the semi-final, where he attempted a Michigan goal. In the championship game, he opened the scoring, driving to the net for a backdoor tap-in off a Will Smith pass.
Fortescue assisted Isaac Howards goal in the second period ona stretch pass to finish the game with a point, and Perreault finished the clinching game with three points.
The New York Rangers selected Perreault 23rd overall in the 2023 NHL draft. He slid down the projected draft rankings according to experts. Fortescue was selected with the 90th overall pick of the 2023 draft, and his stock is also rising following his performance in Sweden.