Will Borgen’s deal for the Rangers is paying off during their winning streak this season.

In the world of professional hockey, deals made in the offseason often shape the direction of a team’s season. For the New York Rangers, their strategic moves in the 2024 offseason have begun to pay dividends, particularly with the addition of defenseman Will Borgen. While Borgen may not have been a household name when he was signed, his performances throughout the season have caught the attention of both the Rangers’ coaching staff and fans alike. As the team continues its winning streak, Borgen’s contributions on the blue line have been one of the key factors in their success.

This article will dive into the impact of Will Borgen’s signing, exploring how his game has fit into the Rangers’ defensive system, the role he’s played during their winning streak, and why this deal could prove to be one of the most significant moves of the season.

A New Face in New York: Borgen’s Background and Arrival

Will Borgen is a relatively new face in the NHL, having been drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fourth round (92nd overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft. His career thus far has seen him bounce between the NHL and AHL, earning steady minutes and gradually developing into a reliable depth defender. Known for his physical style of play, solid defensive positioning, and strong skating ability, Borgen quickly gained a reputation as a player who could shut down opponents with his robust play.

Before arriving in New York, Borgen had spent time with the Seattle Kraken, where he had become a key defensive piece for the team. His style of play, while not flashy, was well-suited to a team looking for a stable, defensive-minded blueliner who could eat up minutes and be trusted in key situations. In the 2024 offseason, the Rangers saw an opportunity to add depth to their defensive core and signed Borgen to a deal that many fans initially viewed as a low-risk, high-reward move.

At the time, his signing didn’t garner the same attention as other high-profile moves across the NHL, but the Rangers’ decision to bring Borgen into the fold would soon prove to be a pivotal one.

Borgen’s Style of Play: A Perfect Fit for the Rangers’ System

One of the main reasons Borgen has been able to integrate seamlessly into the Rangers’ lineup is his defensive style, which complements the team’s overall system. The Rangers, under head coach Gerard Gallant, have established a strong defensive identity in recent seasons. While the offense revolves around star players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox, the Rangers have always prided themselves on their defense-first mentality, which was only strengthened by the acquisition of Borgen.

Borgen is a defenseman who excels in areas that are crucial to Gallant’s system: strong positional play, physicality, and an ability to win board battles. He doesn’t shy away from the physical side of the game and has been a consistent presence in front of his net. His ability to close gaps on opposing forwards and break up plays in the defensive zone has allowed the Rangers to maintain their structure, particularly in tight games where every possession matters.

Moreover, Borgen is a reliable penalty killer. The Rangers have made great strides in improving their special teams this season, and Borgen’s presence on the penalty kill has been invaluable. He blocks shots, disrupts passing lanes, and uses his size and strength to tie up opponents effectively. With the Rangers’ strong defensive core anchored by the likes of Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba, Borgen has slid into a complementary role that allows the Rangers to have an even deeper, more balanced defensive lineup.

Borgen’s Impact During the Winning Streak

As the Rangers have built momentum during their current winning streak, Will Borgen’s presence on the blue line has been a quiet but significant factor in their success. While star players like Igor Shesterkin in goal and Artemi Panarin on offense have received much of the praise, Borgen’s contributions have been integral to the team’s overall performance.

Defensive Stability

During the Rangers’ winning streak, Borgen has been a steady presence on the ice. His ability to make simple, effective plays in the defensive zone has allowed the team to maintain control of games even when the offense isn’t clicking at full speed. Borgen’s understanding of when to make the safe play and when to engage offensively has been key to his success. He hasn’t been tasked with quarterbacking the power play or leading the rush, but his calm, measured approach has allowed the Rangers to stay strong in their own end.

One of the major issues for teams in the NHL is maintaining stability on the back end. A defenseman who can log consistent minutes, make smart decisions under pressure, and kill penalties is an invaluable asset. Borgen has fit the bill perfectly for the Rangers, playing the kind of straightforward, reliable hockey that lets his more offensively-inclined teammates do what they do best. As a result, the Rangers’ defensive system has remained intact throughout their winning streak, with Borgen contributing to keeping the puck out of the net.

Key Plays and Contributions

While Borgen has been a low-profile contributor, his importance has become evident in the small but impactful plays he’s made. For example, during their recent win against a division rival, Borgen delivered a key shot block on a penalty kill late in the game. That play prevented an opposing team from gaining momentum and shifted the momentum back in favor of the Rangers. It wasn’t a play that grabbed headlines, but it was one of the many examples of Borgen’s understated influence on the game.

Furthermore, Borgen has been effective at breaking up passes and preventing dangerous scoring chances, which has helped keep the Rangers’ goaltenders, most notably Shesterkin, from facing high-danger shots. His ability to neutralize opposing forwards’ chances in the slot has been particularly helpful in games where the Rangers have found themselves on the back foot, such as in close battles against high-scoring teams.

Playoff Mentality

While it’s still early in the season, the Rangers have solidified themselves as a legitimate playoff contender. If the playoffs started today, they would likely have a strong position in the Eastern Conference. With that in mind, Borgen’s steadying presence on the blue line is helping prepare the team for the grind of postseason hockey.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs require every player to elevate their game, and Borgen has already demonstrated his ability to handle the pressures of tight games and high stakes. His defensive prowess will only become more valuable as the season progresses and the Rangers look toward securing a playoff spot. The team needs players who can rise to the occasion, and Borgen’s ability to contribute consistently in important situations makes him an invaluable asset as the team strives for a deep playoff run.

Why Borgen’s Deal is Paying Off

When the Rangers signed Will Borgen, it was viewed as a move to add depth and solidify their defense. It was not a blockbuster move that dominated headlines, but it has paid off in ways that were perhaps not immediately apparent. His signing has proven to be an example of how targeted, thoughtful additions can make a significant impact on a team’s overall success.

Low-Cost, High-Reward Signing

One of the key reasons why Borgen’s deal is paying off is the cost-effective nature of the move. While not a high-profile acquisition, Borgen has proven to be a reliable and affordable asset for the Rangers. With the team already committed to high-salaried stars like Panarin, Zibanejad, and Shesterkin, having a low-cost, high-reward defenseman like Borgen has allowed the Rangers to maintain financial flexibility while still bolstering their depth.

In a salary cap era, the ability to make savvy moves like this is crucial for long-term success. The Rangers’ front office deserves credit for identifying Borgen as a player who could fill an important role on the team without the need for a significant financial commitment. In this sense, Borgen’s signing represents one of the most astute moves of the Rangers’ offseason.

Defensive Depth: A Key to Sustained Success

As the Rangers look toward the postseason, their defensive depth will be a critical factor in their playoff aspirations. While Fox, Trouba, and Ryan Lindgren are established defensemen, Borgen’s ability to come in and provide solid play in a depth role is exactly what teams need when the pressure mounts in the playoffs.

Borgen gives the Rangers the flexibility to distribute minutes more evenly, ensuring that their top defensemen are fresh for key moments in the game. As the competition intensifies, having a solid depth player who can log minutes and provide stability will only become more valuable. Borgen’s ability to step up when called upon allows the Rangers to focus on their strengths, knowing they have reliable depth on the back end.

Looking Ahead: The Rangers’ Future with Borgen

As the season progresses and the Rangers continue their pursuit of a playoff spot, Will Borgen’s role will only grow in importance. His steadying presence on the back end has been integral to the team’s success during their winning streak, and he is proving to be exactly the kind of player the Rangers need in order to make a deep postseason run.

If Borgen continues to perform at this level, he could become an even more critical asset as the playoffs approach. His contributions may not always be flashy, but they are undeniably important. As the Rangers push toward the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup, the success of the team will be built on both its star players and its depth players, and Will Borgen is firmly establishing himself as a key part of that equation.

In the end, the Rangers’ decision to sign Will Borgen is paying off in more ways than one. From defensive stability to his low-cost, high-reward value, Borgen is making his mark in a big way. As the team continues its strong play, fans can look forward to seeing more of Borgen’s reliable defensive contributions as the Rangers look to make their run at the postseason and beyond.