Will Borgen's journey to the New York Rangers is a testament to his dedication and skill. Born on December 19, 1996, in Moorhead, Minnesota, Borgen's passion for hockey ignited at a young age. He honed his abilities at Moorhead High School, a program recognized for its hockey excellence, where he also emerged as a leader, captaining the team. His potential was evident when the Buffalo Sabres selected him 92nd overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Instead of immediately turning professional, Borgen chose to further develop his skills in the NCAA. He enrolled at St. Cloud State University in 2015 and quickly made an impact, earning a spot on the 2015-16 National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) All-Rookie Team. Over his college career, Borgen played 106 games, accumulating five goals and 36 assists. His defensive capabilities stood out, earning him the NCHC Defensive Defenseman of the Year award in 2018. Borgen also proudly represented the United States on the international stage, winning a bronze medal at the 2016 World Junior Championships. In 2018, he was selected to represent his country at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
In March 2018, Borgen signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres. He transitioned into the professional ranks with the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League (AHL). Borgen made his NHL debut on March 26, 2019, playing for the Sabres against the Ottawa Senators. On July 21, 2021, Borgen was chosen by the Seattle Kraken in the NHL Expansion Draft. He scored his first NHL goal on January 2, 2022, against the Vancouver Canucks.
During the 2024-25 season, on December 18, 2024, the Seattle Kraken traded Borgen to the New York Rangers, along with two draft picks in exchange for Kaapo Kakko. On January 25, 2025, Borgen solidified his place with the Rangers by signing a five-year, $20.5 million contract extension, with an average annual value of $4.1 million. This agreement prevents him from becoming an unrestricted free agent at the season's end.
Borgen, a right-shot defenseman standing at 6-foot-3, has recorded two goals and five points in 50 games during the current season, playing for both the Kraken and the Rangers. Throughout his NHL career, which includes time with the Sabres, Kraken, and Rangers, Borgen, now 28 years old, has played in 255 games, amassing 10 goals and 56 points. Known for his defensive skills and hockey sense, Borgen is now an important part of the New York Rangers.
