Will Borgen, a defenseman, has agreed to a five-year, $20.5 million contract deal with the New York Rangers.
The New York Rangers have made a significant move in strengthening their blue line with the signing of Will Borgen to a five-year, $20.5 million contract. Borgen, a defenseman known for his solid defensive play, has quickly become a key piece of the Rangers’ defensive core, and this new contract further solidifies his place in the team’s future. With a salary cap hit of $4.1 million per year, the Rangers are showing their belief in Borgen’s ability to contribute to their defense and overall success in the coming years.
This article will explore what Borgen brings to the Rangers, the significance of this contract in terms of the team’s roster construction, and the overall impact this signing could have on the team’s chances of contending for a Stanley Cup.
The Early Career of Will Borgen
Will Borgen, who was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fourth round (92nd overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft, has had a relatively quiet but effective career in the NHL. Before joining the Rangers, Borgen spent the majority of his early years in Buffalo, bouncing between the Sabres and their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans. However, it was clear from his time in the AHL that Borgen had the potential to be an NHL regular.
Borgen’s style of play is based on his defensive acumen. A solid stay-at-home defenseman, he is not a player who typically will wow fans with highlight-reel goals or offensive statistics. Instead, Borgen’s value is in his ability to shut down opposing forwards and provide a strong, reliable presence on the ice. His physicality, leadership qualities, and strong positional play have been his calling cards, making him a perfect fit for a Rangers team looking to solidify its defense.
Despite not being known for his offensive production, Borgen’s game has always been defined by his ability to make smart decisions, play with discipline, and contribute to a team’s success in a quiet yet effective manner. Over the years, he has developed a reputation as a solid, reliable defenseman who can eat up minutes and be trusted in key defensive situations.
Why the Rangers Targeted Borgen
The Rangers’ acquisition of Borgen comes as part of an ongoing effort to build a well-rounded, competitive team. With the team’s roster already featuring key players like Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, and K’Andre Miller, Borgen’s addition adds depth to a defense that already boasts impressive talent.
Borgen’s contract speaks volumes about the Rangers’ confidence in his abilities. With a five-year commitment, the team is not only investing in his current abilities but also betting on his continued development. At 26 years old, Borgen is entering the prime of his career, and the Rangers likely see him as a player who can grow into a top-four defenseman for them in the future.
From a stylistic perspective, Borgen fits the mold of what the Rangers need on defense. While the team has talented offensive defensemen like Fox, Borgen adds a much-needed physical presence and shot-blocking ability that balances out the Rangers’ blue line. His ability to kill penalties and play in difficult situations makes him a valuable asset for head coach Gerard Gallant, who has emphasized a more defensive-minded approach in recent seasons.
This signing is also a reflection of the Rangers’ broader strategy of locking up young, emerging talent for the long-term. Borgen is a player who can provide stability for years to come, ensuring that the Rangers don’t need to rely solely on their more offensively gifted defensemen. With a well-rounded defense core, the Rangers will be able to play a more complete game, which is essential for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
What Does Borgen Bring to the Rangers?
Defensive Reliability
One of the main reasons Borgen was a target for the Rangers is his reliability in the defensive zone. While the team already has players like Fox and Trouba who can contribute offensively, there has been a need for a defenseman who can eat minutes and play a strong, simple defensive game. Borgen has the ability to do just that.
Borgen is known for his strong positioning, physical play, and his ability to win puck battles along the boards. He is not a player who will be flashy or try to do too much on the ice, but he is incredibly effective at what he does. His solid, no-nonsense approach to defense will help anchor the Rangers’ blue line, especially when paired with the more offensive-minded players on the team.
His physicality is another asset that stands out. Borgen is not afraid to engage in physical confrontations, whether it’s throwing a hit or defending his teammates. His strength in front of the net is another key component to his game, as he excels at clearing bodies and protecting the crease from opposing forwards. This will provide added protection for Rangers goaltenders Igor Shesterkin and Jaroslav Halak, giving them more confidence in their defensive corps.
Penalty Killing and Special Teams Play
One of the areas where Borgen truly shines is on the penalty kill. As a reliable defensive defenseman, he is well-suited to block shots and pressure the opposition when they have the man advantage. Over the years, Borgen has consistently earned key minutes on the penalty kill, and his physical style of play has made him an effective presence on special teams.
The Rangers have had one of the league’s stronger penalty kills in recent years, and adding Borgen to the mix only strengthens their ability to kill penalties effectively. Whether it’s clearing the puck, blocking shots, or simply winning crucial faceoffs, Borgen brings everything needed for an effective penalty kill unit. With the increased importance of special teams in today’s NHL, having a player like Borgen who can be relied upon in such situations is a significant advantage for the Rangers.
Room for Growth
Borgen’s game is still evolving, and the Rangers likely see room for growth in his offensive capabilities. While he is not known for his scoring ability, he has shown flashes of potential in that regard. In the right system, it’s possible that Borgen can develop a more rounded offensive game, contributing more with the puck in the future.
Given his age, it’s reasonable to expect that Borgen could grow into a more well-rounded player over the course of his five-year contract. The Rangers likely see his potential to develop into a more complete defenseman, one who can not only be a shutdown presence but also contribute on the offensive side when needed. The team has a solid coaching staff that can help bring out the best in Borgen, and with consistent minutes and confidence, he could surprise many by providing a bit more offense than initially expected.
Impact on the Rangers’ Roster Construction
The signing of Will Borgen is part of a larger strategy by the Rangers to strengthen their roster without sacrificing long-term flexibility. With a salary cap hit of $4.1 million, Borgen’s contract is manageable, giving the team the room to sign other key players in the future. The Rangers have a core group of players locked up for several years, and this contract reflects the team’s focus on continuity and stability.
Borgen’s signing also signals the Rangers’ commitment to improving their overall defensive depth. With a solid top-four defense that includes Fox, Trouba, and Miller, Borgen’s addition to the bottom pair strengthens the entire unit. This gives the Rangers the ability to roll four solid defensive pairs, which is crucial during the grueling grind of an 82-game season and the subsequent playoffs.
This balanced approach will help the Rangers avoid the pitfalls of over-reliance on certain players and ensure that all defensive responsibilities are handled by a variety of players, each contributing in their own way. The Rangers’ blue line is becoming more versatile, and Borgen’s role in this will be integral.
