On the eve of the 2024 offseason, the Texas Rangers made an important move to bolster their defensive depth and strengthen their blue line, agreeing to terms with 26-year-old defenseman Will Borgen. The acquisition comes at a critical juncture for a Rangers team aiming to build upon their recent playoff success and continue their rise as Stanley Cup contenders. Borgen, who has already shown promise as a solid defensive presence in the NHL, is expected to provide both stability and reliability to the Rangers’ defensive corps, while also offering some upside in terms of growth and potential contributions on both ends of the ice.
This move speaks volumes about the Rangers’ strategic approach to the offseason. While many NHL teams are focused on making splashes with big-name signings, the Rangers have focused their attention on addressing key positional needs and adding depth without compromising their long-term salary flexibility. By signing Borgen, a relatively affordable and capable defensive player, the Rangers have found a way to address a potential gap in their lineup while keeping their cap situation manageable.
Will Borgen: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the implications of this deal for the Rangers, it’s important to understand who Will Borgen is and why the Rangers believe he’s a good fit. Borgen was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 4th round (92nd overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft. Over the past few seasons, he has carved out a niche for himself as a reliable, stay-at-home defenseman who can be counted on to play a steady, no-frills game. Known for his physicality, sound positioning, and defensive reliability, Borgen brings a much-needed element of grit and stability to any team’s blue line.
Borgen made his NHL debut with Buffalo in 2019, but it wasn’t until the 2021-2022 season that he truly began to establish himself as a regular in the NHL lineup. After a trade to the Seattle Kraken ahead of the 2021 expansion draft, Borgen found more consistent playing time with the new franchise. He quickly became known for his defensive prowess, consistently being matched up against opposing teams’ top lines while contributing to the penalty kill. Over the course of his tenure with the Kraken, Borgen’s game matured, and he solidified his reputation as a dependable defender.
In terms of his style of play, Borgen is not necessarily an offensive dynamo, but he’s certainly capable of chipping in when needed. He does not tend to be flashy, but he plays the game with poise and intelligence. With good size at 6’2″ and 201 pounds, Borgen isn’t afraid to engage physically, using his body to win battles along the boards and break up opposing plays. His ability to move the puck efficiently and his awareness in his own zone are his strongest attributes, and these qualities make him a very solid bottom-four defenseman.
Filling a Need for the Rangers
The Rangers have made significant strides in recent years, building a team capable of competing in the upper echelons of the NHL. With a dynamic offense, highlighted by stars like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and the recently acquired Vladimir Tarasenko, and a goaltending tandem that boasts one of the best netminders in Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers have the makings of a contending team. However, one area that has been more of a question mark has been their defensive depth.
While the Rangers have a top-tier defenseman in Adam Fox, who is capable of leading the charge both offensively and defensively, there have been concerns about the team’s overall blue-line depth. The departure of long-time stalwart Ryan Lindgren left the team without a physical presence on the second pairing, which created uncertainty for the Rangers’ ability to match up with the most physical teams in the league. Additionally, the Rangers’ defense had struggled with consistency, particularly in their own zone during critical moments. While the addition of Borgen isn’t a game-changing move, it addresses these concerns by adding a reliable player who excels in the areas where the Rangers were looking to improve.
Borgen’s skill set complements the Rangers’ needs in a significant way. His ability to log heavy minutes against top competition, coupled with his skill in shot blocking and using his body to break up plays, will provide a stabilizing force on the Rangers’ blue line. In addition to his defensive ability, Borgen also brings some versatility. He can be used in various roles, including penalty-killing situations, where he can excel with his ability to block shots and disrupt offensive plays.
Adding Depth Without Breaking the Bank
One of the key elements of this deal is that it allows the Rangers to address a position of need without significantly impacting their salary cap situation. The Rangers have been one of the more active teams in the past few seasons, making high-profile acquisitions and re-signing core players. As such, maintaining financial flexibility has been important for their long-term planning. Borgen, who is expected to sign a relatively affordable contract, allows the Rangers to add depth to their defense without committing substantial cap space to a player who may not be a long-term solution at the top of their lineup.
The fact that Borgen is still in the early stages of his career means that the Rangers also have the potential for further growth in his game. A strong training camp and continued development could see him move up the depth chart as the season progresses, providing the Rangers with another option should injuries arise or if there’s a need for a spark. This kind of signing represents a smart, low-risk investment for a team that is focused on contending immediately while keeping its future in mind.
The Impact on Rangers’ Defensive Pairings
While the full specifics of Borgen’s role with the Rangers will depend on how the coaching staff decides to slot him into the lineup, his addition will certainly affect the team’s defensive pairings. It’s expected that Borgen will likely slot into the bottom pairing, potentially alongside a player like Braden Schneider or K’Andre Miller, both of whom are still developing but have shown significant promise. His presence on the third pairing could give the Rangers much-needed balance, ensuring that their top pairings can stay fresh throughout the course of a long season.
Additionally, Borgen’s penalty-killing ability will provide the Rangers with added flexibility in special teams situations. The Rangers already boast a solid penalty kill, but Borgen’s ability to log heavy minutes in these situations makes him a valuable asset in limiting the opponent’s power-play opportunities.
Borgen’s Role in the Long-Term Plan
For the Rangers, the decision to add a player like Will Borgen is not just about addressing short-term needs; it’s about building a well-rounded team that is capable of competing at the highest level over the long term. Borgen’s signing helps fill a void on the roster, but it also aligns with the Rangers’ broader strategy of constructing a balanced, deep lineup without putting all their resources into one position. With an eye toward the future, the Rangers will need to continue to develop young talent while adding players who can complement their stars.
Borgen’s deal also reflects the Rangers’ commitment to maintaining depth at all positions. While the team’s offensive firepower and goaltending are undoubtedly their greatest strengths, the organization recognizes the importance of having a strong defensive corps to weather the ups and downs of an 82-game season. Borgen’s ability to add to that depth makes him a critical piece of the Rangers’ overall plans, even if he’s not the flashiest addition.
Conclusion
The Texas Rangers’ agreement with Will Borgen is a smart, calculated move that addresses several key needs without compromising their long-term financial flexibility. Borgen’s reliable, steady presence on the blue line will complement the team’s top players, while his penalty-killing ability and physicality provide the Rangers with a valuable asset to compete against some of the league’s toughest opponents.
For a team on the cusp of greatness, adding depth and stability is just as important as high-profile acquisitions. Borgen may not be the headline-grabbing player that some fans expected, but he’s the kind of low-risk, high-reward signing that could prove to be a crucial factor in the Rangers’ pursuit of a Stanley Cup in the years to come. The 2024 season will be pivotal for the Rangers, and Will Borgen’s development as a key defensive contributor could be one of the quiet, but significant, factors in their success.
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