The New York Rangers reached an agreement on Saturday with veteran defenseman Will Borgen on a five-year contract extension, the team announced. The deal is worth an average annual value of $4.1 million, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Kevin Weekes.
Borgen, 28, joined the Rangers on December 18 after being acquired from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for forward Kaapo Kakko, the former No. 2 overall pick. Since the trade, Borgen has recorded three points, but his impact has been most notable on defense—ranking third on the team in blocked shots (29) and sixth in total ice time (316 minutes).
“He’s been outstanding since he arrived,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said this week. “For me, he’s a big reason why things have settled down. He skates well, plays with physicality and an edge, and never backs down from anyone.”
Borgen has primarily played alongside veteran K’Andre Miller on the Rangers’ second defensive pairing. His addition has been crucial in reshaping New York’s defense, especially after the midseason trade of former captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks.
Originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL Draft, Borgen was set to become a free agent on July 1 before signing the extension.
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