The 28-year-old defenseman was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. When the Rangers acquired him on December 18, they were struggling with a 4-15-0 record, and rumors suggested they might trade Borgen before the NHL deadline if their season didn’t improve.
Since then, the Rangers’ fortunes have turned around. They’re 8-1-3 since the New Year, currently riding a 10-game point streak (7-0-3) as they prepare for a Sunday matchup against the Colorado Avalanche at Madison Square Garden. Heading into Saturday, they were just one point behind the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Borgen has played a crucial role in the Rangers’ resurgence, providing solid defensive play and partnering well with K’Andre Miller, who had struggled earlier in the season. “It’s great. ‘Key’s’ a great player all over the ice, it’s easy. Communicates really well, makes nice plays, keeps it simple,” Borgen recently said about his chemistry with Miller.
Will Borgen has quickly made a positive impact on the New York Rangers. Just five weeks after being traded from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for Kaapo Kakko, Borgen has signed a five-year, $4.1 million per year contract with the Rangers. His deal also reportedly includes a limited no-trade clause.
Borgen’s arrival has essentially filled the role left by former captain Jacob Trouba, who was traded to the Anaheim Ducks during the Rangers’ rough stretch. Borgen, known for his physicality and crease-clearing ability, plays with an edge.
In the 17 games since the trade, Borgen has contributed one goal and three points, averaging 18:35 in ice time—three minutes more per game than he averaged in 33 games with the Kraken earlier this season.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette praised Borgen and fellow newcomer Urho Vaakanainen for helping stabilize the team defensively.
Looking ahead, the Rangers’ right-side defense appears secure. Adam Fox, the team’s top defenseman, is locked in through 2027-28, Borgen’s deal runs through 2029-30, and Braden Schneider is under contract for another year before becoming a restricted free agent. Schneider, who has played well on the left side this season, could switch to the left next year if the Rangers don’t re-sign pending unrestricted free agent Ryan Lindgren. The Rangers also have right-shot Victor Mancini in the AHL.
Borgen, a seven-year pro who was drafted in the fourth round (92nd overall) by the Buffalo Sabres in 2015, clearly impressed the Rangers enough for them to secure him on a long-term deal so quickly.
Borgen shared how he adapted to the move: “It’s good now. It was a lot to take in right away, living in New York and getting my stuff from Seattle. It took a little bit, but now I’m settled.”
After two seasons as a top-four defenseman with the Kraken, including during their playoff run in 2022-23, Borgen had been dropped to the third pair this season, seeing his ice time and performance dip. The Rangers provided him a fresh start, and now both he and the team are reaping the benefits.
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