The New York Rangers have announced a significant contract extension for defenseman Will Borgen, locking him in for five years at a salary of $4.1 million per season. This decision comes after Borgen's impactful presence on the team, highlighted by his stability and consistency on the ice. The Rangers, having previously traded Kaapo Kakko to acquire Borgen, recognized the risk of losing him to free agency at the season's end and acted promptly to secure his future with the franchise.

Borgen's contributions, including his ability to thwart opposing players and effectively move the puck out of the defensive zone, have resonated well with fans, despite initial mixed feelings about the Kakko trade. Currently averaging over 18 minutes of ice time per game, Borgen has quickly become a crucial part of the Rangers' defense, providing the reliability needed to address prior struggles within the unit. The extension is viewed as a proactive move to retain a player who not only fits well into the team's system but also enhances the performance of his defensive partner, K'Andre Miller.