Multiple sources report that the New York Rangers are looking to extend the contract of newly-acquired defenseman Will Borgen. The 28-year-old joined the team from the Seattle Kraken as part of the Kaapo Kakko trade. This information comes from outlets like the New York Post and The Fourth Period.
Analysis:
Borgen has quickly brought much-needed stability to a Rangers’ defense that had been struggling. While New York still faces some challenges on the back-end, Borgen has stepped in and filled the role the team required.
The Minnesota native is in the final year of a two-year contract that pays him $2.7 million per season. There were concerns he might be traded to a playoff-contending team if the Rangers’ season continued to slide, but with New York finding its footing and making a push for a playoff spot, it seems the team wants to keep Borgen beyond this season.
The trade appears to be a win for both teams, as Kakko seems revitalized in Seattle, and Borgen has been a solid addition for New York. However, both players will need new contracts at season’s end.
What it Means:
General Manager Chris Drury has a lot of work ahead to retain Borgen, as he also needs to re-sign K’Andre Miller, Will Cuylle, Adam Edstrom, and several other young players. Borgen will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, and his performance this season could earn him a lucrative deal. Fortunately for Drury, there’s still time to negotiate a new contract before July 1.
There have been rumors that the Rangers might trade veterans like Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad to free up cap space and further their youth movement. The team has a promising young core, and moving one or more veterans could provide more cap flexibility to retain some of these emerging players.
While some thought the Rangers were out of the playoff race, the acquisition of Borgen and improved play may help the team recover from a disappointing season and make a late push for the postseason.
