Will Borgen Proves Essential to Rangers’ Defensive Success

Will Borgen has emerged as a crucial player for the New York Rangers, delivering the defensive performance the team has relied on this season. Although his statistics may not jump off the page—registering only two assists in 17 games—his impact on the ice is significant. The Rangers count on Borgen’s defensive abilities, and he has excelled in that regard, averaging a career-high 18:39 minutes of ice time per game.

“I don’t care about points,” Borgen stated. “I care about wins and playing good. That’s about it.” This mindset aligns with the Rangers’ strategy, as head coach Mike Sullivan emphasized, “We’re not asking him to score a lot of goals.”

Borgen was acquired from the Seattle Kraken in December 2024 as part of a trade involving former No. 2 overall pick Kaapo Kakko. The Rangers’ general manager, Chris Drury, made a substantial commitment to Borgen, extending his contract for five years at an average annual value of $4.1 million. The 28-year-old defenseman’s strong defensive play has already justified that investment.

Defensive Rating and Team Performance

Borgen’s contributions on defense have not gone unnoticed. According to analyst Dom Luszczyszyn’s Net Rating model, Borgen boasts a plus-4.2 defensive rating, the best in the league, narrowly ahead of players like Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb of the Vegas Golden Knights. His presence has been instrumental in solidifying a Rangers defense that includes notable players like Vladislav Gavrikov and Adam Fox, both of whom also rank highly in defensive metrics.

Sullivan explained what the team expects from Borgen: “What we’re asking of Will is to be hard to play against, defend hard, help us on the penalty kill, and be aggressive in defending rushes.” This philosophy aligns with Borgen’s playing style, which has made him a key asset in a Rangers team that has shown a significant turnaround defensively. Last season, New York ranked 27th in the NHL for five-on-five expected goals against. This year, they lead the league with only 2.06 expected goals against per 60 minutes.

Borgen appreciates the teamwork that has formed within the defensive unit. “I like when we’re all working together,” he noted. “It’s pretty hard for other teams to score on us. I think that showed for a lot of the year.”

A New Beginning in New York

Borgen’s career began to flourish when he was selected by the Kraken from the Buffalo Sabres during the 2021 expansion draft. He became a regular NHL player in the 2022-23 season, helping the Kraken reach the second round of the playoffs. However, his performance dipped during the following season, with his ice time falling to an average of 15:12 per game. Upon joining the Rangers, he expressed that “it just wasn’t working out” in Seattle.

The Rangers’ scouting team has successfully identified Borgen as a player capable of thriving in a new environment. Under Sullivan’s leadership, Borgen secured a top-four role, logging over 18 minutes per game. His ability to face the toughest offensive competition among Rangers defensemen demonstrates his value.

Borgen’s comfort level has improved during his time in New York. He indicated that he is feeling “more comfortable everywhere on and off the ice” as he nears a year with the team. His defensive strategies have helped limit opposing teams’ chances in high-danger areas, solidifying his reputation as a reliable defenseman.

Sullivan, who was previously successful in developing defensemen during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, noted Borgen’s competitive nature and physicality. “He’s competitive, and he has a level of abrasiveness to his game that makes us a whole lot more difficult to play against,” Sullivan added.

Borgen has developed a strong on-ice partnership with Carson Soucy, his former teammate in Seattle. The two have played together for over 124 minutes at five-on-five, and the Rangers have outscored opponents 3-1 during those minutes. Soucy remarked, “Borgs is an easy guy to play with. He plays a very predictable, smart, hard, simple game.”

As Borgen continues to adapt to Sullivan’s zone-based defensive system, his role becomes increasingly important for the Rangers. The team’s focus on solid defensive play, coupled with Borgen’s commitment and skill set, positions them for potential success in the ongoing season.