Will Borgen secures Five-Year, $20.5 Million Extension with the New York Rangers
The New York Rangers have made a significant move to solidify their defensive core, signing Will Borgen to a five-year, $20.5 million contract extension. The deal, announced on Saturday, carries an average annual value (AAV) of $4.1 million and will take effect next season.
Borgen, a 28-year-old right-shot defenseman, is currently in the final year of a two-year contract he signed with the Seattle Kraken on July 7, 2023. Without this extension, he would have become a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
Since joining the Rangers in a trade on December 18, Borgen has made a noticeable impact. The deal, which also included a third-round and fifth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, saw the Rangers part ways with forward Kaapo Kakko. In 17 games with New York, Borgen has contributed one goal and two assists, averaging 18:35 of ice time per game.
Drafted in the fourth round (no. 92) by the Buffalo Sabres in 2015, Borgen spent two seasons with Buffalo, playing 14 games before being claimed by Seattle in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft. During his time with the Kraken, he tallied 55 points (nine goals, 46 assists) in 233 games. Across his NHL career, Borgen has recorded 58 points (10 goals, 48 assists) in 264 games.
The Rangers, currently holding a 24-20-4 record, are riding a strong wave of momentum with a 7-0-3 record in their last 10 games. They are set to host the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday at 1 p.m.ET, with the game broadcast on MSG, ALT, SN, and TVAS.
key Details of Will Borgen’s Contract Extension
Table of Contents
| Detail | Facts |
|————————–|——————————————|
| Contract Length | 5 years |
| Total Value | $20.5 million |
| Average Annual Value | $4.1 million |
| Effective Start date | Next season |
| Current Team | New York Rangers |
| Previous Team | seattle Kraken |
This extension underscores the Rangers’ confidence in Borgen’s ability to contribute to their defensive lineup.As the team continues it’s push for a playoff spot, Borgen’s presence on the blue line will be crucial.
For fans eager to see Borgen in action, don’t miss the Rangers’ upcoming game against the Avalanche. Tune in to witness how this newly secured defenseman continues to make his mark on Broadway.
Will Borgen’s Five-Year, $20.5 Million Extension: A Deep Dive wiht NHL Analyst Mark thompson
The New York Rangers have made a bold move to strengthen their defensive lineup by securing Will Borgen with a five-year, $20.5 million contract extension.To unpack the significance of this deal, we sat down with NHL analyst Mark Thompson, who shared his insights on Borgen’s impact, the Rangers’ strategy, and what this means for the team’s playoff aspirations.
The Significance of Borgen’s Extension
Senior Editor: Mark,the Rangers have committed $20.5 million to Will Borgen over five years.What does this extension say about their confidence in him?
Mark Thompson: This deal is a clear statement of trust in Borgen’s abilities. The Rangers see him as a cornerstone of their defensive core. At 28, he’s entering his prime years, and his performance as joining the team has been solid. He’s averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time per game, which shows the coaching staff relies on him in key situations. the fact that thay’re locking him up for five years indicates they believe he’ll be a consistent contributor as they push for playoff success.
Breaking down the Contract Details
Senior Editor: Let’s talk numbers. The contract has an average annual value (AAV) of $4.1 million. How does this compare to similar deals in the league?
Mark Thompson: It’s a fair market value for a defenseman of borgen’s caliber. He’s not a flashy, high-scoring player, but he’s reliable, physical, and excels in his own zone. For context, players like Brendan Dillon and Radko Gudas have signed similar deals in recent years. The Rangers are paying for stability and consistency, which are crucial for a team with playoff ambitions.
Borgen’s Journey to Broadway
Senior Editor: Borgen’s path to the Rangers has been interesting. He was drafted by Buffalo, played for Seattle, and now finds himself in New York. How has his career trajectory shaped his game?
Mark Thompson: Borgen’s journey has been a testament to his resilience. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2015, he didn’t get much of a chance to establish himself there. But his time with the Seattle Kraken allowed him to grow into a dependable NHL defenseman. He played over 200 games with Seattle, honing his defensive skills and becoming a reliable presence on the blue line. Now, with the Rangers, he’s stepping into a bigger role on a team with higher expectations.
Impact on the Rangers’ Playoff Push
Senior Editor: The Rangers are currently in the thick of the playoff race. How does Borgen’s presence bolster their chances?
Mark Thompson: Borgen brings a physical edge and defensive reliability that’s crucial for playoff hockey. The Rangers have been on a strong run lately,going 7-0-3 in their last 10 games,and Borgen has been a part of that success. His ability to shut down opposing forwards and contribute on the penalty kill will be invaluable as the team battles for a postseason spot. Plus, his experience in high-pressure situations, like the Kraken’s playoff run last season, adds a layer of maturity to the Rangers’ lineup.
Looking Ahead: Borgen’s role in the Rangers’ Future
Senior Editor: With this extension, Borgen is now a long-term piece for the Rangers. What do you expect from him over the next five years?
Mark Thompson: I expect Borgen to continue being a steady, no-nonsense defenseman who can handle tough matchups. He’s not going to light up the scoreboard, but he’ll be a key part of the Rangers’ defensive structure. As the team looks to contend for a Stanley Cup, having a player like borgen who can eat minutes and play a physical, disciplined game will be essential. If he can continue to develop his offensive game slightly, this deal could look like a steal in a few years.
Final Thoughts
Senior Editor: Any final thoughts on Borgen’s extension and what it means for the Rangers?
Mark Thompson: This is a smart move by the Rangers. They’ve identified a player who fits their system and locked him up at a reasonable price. Borgen’s presence on the blue line will be crucial as they aim to make a deep playoff run. For fans, this is an exciting time to be a Rangers supporter. the team is building a strong foundation, and Borgen is a big part of that.
Will Borgen’s extension is a win for both the player and the team. It solidifies the Rangers’ defensive core and sets them up for success in the coming years. Fans should be excited to see how Borgen continues to make his mark on broadway.
