Why Will Borgen Could Be a Smart Trade Chip for the Rangers at the Deadline
Ever since the Rangers dropped “The Letter 2.0,” it’s been clear: change is coming. The message was bold, signaling a shift in direction and igniting speculation about who’s staying, who’s going, and who might be caught in the middle.
Veterans like Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Taylor Raddysh are all reportedly on the block. On the other side, the organization seems committed to building around a core that includes Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, and top prospect Gabe Perreault.
But what about the players who don’t clearly fall into either camp? The ones who aren’t franchise cornerstones, but also aren’t on expiring deals? That’s where Will Borgen enters the conversation-and he might just be one of the most intriguing trade chips on the Rangers’ roster.
Borgen’s Value Lies in His Versatility and Contract
Borgen isn’t going to light up the scoresheet-he’s got three goals and three assists through 49 games this season-but that’s not where his value lies. He’s a steady, reliable presence on the blue line.
Coaches love guys like him because they can trust him in just about any situation. Whether he’s on the top pair or anchoring the third, Borgen brings the same hard-nosed, defense-first approach.
Need someone to help close out a one-goal game? He’s your guy.
Need a penalty killer who won’t get caught out of position? Again, Borgen fits the bill.
Statistically, he’s not blowing anyone away, but the numbers paint the picture of a solid, dependable defender. His 45.20% Corsi For, 46.57% Scoring Chances For, and 49.30% High-Danger Chances For (via Natural Stat Trick) suggest he’s holding his own, even if he’s not dominating possession. And with the first year of a five-year, $4.1 million AAV contract underway, there’s cost certainty that should appeal to contenders looking to bolster their blue line without taking on a rental.
Why Trading Borgen Makes Sense for the Rangers
From the Rangers’ perspective, moving Borgen isn’t about giving up on a useful player-it’s about creating opportunity. With the franchise clearly entering a retooling phase, the focus now shifts to development.
That means giving young defensemen like Matthew Robertson and Scott Morrow a real shot at NHL minutes. As long as veterans like Borgen are in the lineup, those opportunities are limited.
Flipping Borgen at the deadline not only clears a path for the kids but also adds more assets to the Rangers’ growing war chest. Draft picks, prospects, or even a young NHL-ready player could be the return. And in a market where top-tier defensemen are scarce-Rasmus Andersson was the big name, but he’s already been moved to Vegas-Borgen’s value only increases.
He’s not a rental like Connor Murphy or Ian Cole, who are also expected to be on the move. He’s under contract for four more seasons after this one, giving any acquiring team a stable, plug-and-play piece for years to come. That kind of term, especially at a reasonable cap hit, is a rare commodity at the trade deadline.
A Fit That Makes Sense: The Bruins
There are a handful of teams that could use a player like Borgen, but one that jumps off the page is Boston. The Bruins are in desperate need of a right-shot defenseman, and Borgen checks that box without requiring them to empty the cupboard.
He’s not going to cost what a top-pairing guy would, but he can still play 18-20 minutes a night and give you quality shifts. For a team like Boston looking to shore up their back end for another playoff push, he could be exactly what they need.
A Sensible Deadline Move
This isn’t the kind of trade that grabs headlines. It’s not Panarin or Trocheck-level news.
But it’s the kind of move that smart front offices make during a retool. Borgen has value, both on the ice and on the trade market.
And if Chris Drury is serious about reshaping the Rangers for long-term success, exploring a Borgen deal should be on the to-do list.
He won’t bring back a king’s ransom, but he could net a couple of picks or a young player with upside. More importantly, he helps the Rangers open up space for their next wave of talent. And that’s what this phase is all about-building something sustainable, one smart move at a time.