Will Borgen Emerges as Key Defensive Asset for Rangers

In an unexpected turn, Will Borgen has established himself as a crucial defensive player for the New York Rangers this season, demonstrating an impact that transcends traditional statistics. While his offensive contributions may appear modest, with just two assists in 17 games, his performance on the defensive end has been pivotal for the team.

Borgen, who is averaging a career-high 18:39 of ice time per game, emphasizes the importance of team success over personal statistics. “I don’t care about points,” he stated. “I care about wins and playing good. That’s about it.” His coach, Mike Sullivan, echoed this sentiment, noting that the team does not require him to score frequently.

Strategic Acquisition Paying Off

The Rangers’ general manager, Chris Drury, made a significant investment in Borgen when he acquired him from the Seattle Kraken in December 2024. This move was part of a trade deal involving Kaapo Kakko, the second overall pick from the 2019 NHL Draft, who had not met the team’s expectations. Following the trade, Drury quickly extended Borgen’s contract, committing to a five-year deal worth an average of $4.1 million annually.

Borgen, who stands at 6 feet 3 inches, has rewarded the Rangers’ confidence in him. According to the Net Rating model developed by analyst Dom Luszczyszyn, he currently holds a league-leading defensive rating of plus-4.2, ahead of prominent defensemen such as Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb of the Vegas Golden Knights.

His defensive contributions have been essential to the Rangers’ transformation into one of the league’s strongest defensive teams. Last season, New York ranked 27th in five-on-five expected goals against, but they now lead the league with just 2.06 expected goals against per 60 minutes.

Defensive Excellence and Team Chemistry

Borgen’s role involves being a formidable presence on the ice. Coach Sullivan highlighted his responsibilities, saying, “What we’re asking of Will is to be hard to play against and defend hard.” He praised Borgen’s ability to support penalty kills, aggressively defend against rushes, and manage plays in the defensive zone.

Since joining the Rangers, Borgen has positively impacted the team’s defensive strategies. His performance is complemented by teammates like Vladislav Gavrikov and Adam Fox, both of whom also rank among the top defensive players in the league. Borgen’s familiarity with his teammates, particularly Carson Soucy, his former Kraken partner, has fostered a strong on-ice synergy. Together, they have logged significant ice time, with the Rangers outscoring opponents 3-1 during their shared play.

“Borgs is an easy guy to play with,” Soucy remarked. “He plays a very predictable, smart, hard, simple game.” This predictability is a key attribute that Sullivan values in his defensemen, enhancing team reliability.

Borgen’s journey began with the Kraken, who selected him from the Buffalo Sabres in the 2021 expansion draft. He became a regular player in the NHL during the 2022-23 season, contributing to the Kraken’s playoff run. However, his performance dipped during the following season, prompting a change of scenery that has clearly revitalized his game.

“It just wasn’t working out” in Seattle, Borgen noted, reflecting on his previous struggles. His adjustment to the Rangers has been marked by a renewed sense of confidence and a commitment to defensive excellence. Sullivan’s coaching approach, which emphasizes a zone defense rather than man-on-man strategies, has further enabled Borgen to excel.

As the Rangers continue their campaign, Borgen’s defensive skills and commitment to team success will be essential in their pursuit of a strong season. His ability to adapt and thrive in a new environment underscores the value of strategic player acquisitions in professional sports.