As Blue Line Station previously reported, on Saturday defenseman Will Borgen signed a five-year, $20.5 million contract with the New York Rangers.
Borgen was acquired on Dec. 18th in a trade with the Seattle Kraken with a third-and-fifth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft for forward Kaapo Kakko. He was previously scheduled to become a free agent July 1. Selected as the No. 92 pick of the 2015 Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, Borgen played 14 games over two seasons for the Sabres before he was claimed by Seattle in the 2021 Expansion Draft. He had 55 points (nine goals, 46 assists) in 233 games with the Kraken, and has 58 points (10 goals, 48 assists) in 264 NHL games.
The 28-year-old has five points (two goals, three assists) in 50 games this season, including a goal and two assists in 17 games with the Rangers. He has also averaged 18:35 of ice time per game as a Blueshirt.
"He's been outstanding since he's been here. For me, he's a big reason why things have quieted down a little bit. He skates well, he's physical, he plays with an edge, and he doesn't back down from anybody."New York Head Coach Peter Laviolette
His contract has an average annual value of $4.1 million and begins next season.
BORGS ON BROADWAY.#NYR and Will Borgen have agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension. Details: https://t.co/kaqNu9G1Y3 pic.twitter.com/bzlGK0XLGk
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 25, 2025
Borgen usually has been paired alongside veteran K'Andre Miller on the club's second defense pairing. He has been a pivotal piece in New York's overhaul on the blue line, especially after the in-season trade of former captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks.
This latest move comes as the Rangers (24-20-4), who are 7-0-3 in their past 10 games, host the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. Puck drop is slated for 1:00 p.m. EST.