One of the standout performers for the Rangers in 2025 has been defenseman Will Borgen. Acquired late in 2024 from the Seattle Kraken in a trade that sent Kaapo Kakko to Seattle, Borgen has seamlessly fit alongside K’Andre Miller on the defensive line. Together, they’ve helped bring the team closer to the level of play that fans expected when the season began.
Borgen, it seems, was looking for a fresh start. As reported by Elliotte Friedman in his latest 32 Thoughts, Borgen sought a change of scenery due to the stagnation in Seattle. When the Rangers approached, offering a forward looking to be traded, the two teams quickly became natural trade partners. While the trade’s value for the Rangers is still up for debate, there’s no question Borgen has been a strong addition to the team.
Although some Rangers defensemen have appeared in trade rumors, Borgen’s success so far suggests that he’ll likely remain a key piece moving forward, especially given how well his pairing with Miller has worked. Borgen’s cost-effective contract also makes him a more affordable option than Miller’s long-time partner, Jacob Trouba. If the Rangers hold onto Borgen, it’ll be seen as a smart move by GM Chris Drury.
While there’s still plenty of time before the trade deadline, if a team comes in with a significantly high offer for Borgen, the Rangers may have to consider it. However, barring a desperate move by another GM, it’s hard to envision the Rangers finding a better defensive option than Borgen. He has proven to be a valuable contributor since joining the team, and the Rangers have come to rely on him.
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