Will Borgen Breaks Silence on His Rangers Contract Extension: “It’s About More Than Just Hockey”

The New York Rangers feel they have a solid defenseman in Will Borgen. This week they announced they had extended Borgen's contract to a five-year, $4.1 million deal.

Will Borgen joined the New York Rangers when they sent former 2019 1st-round draft pick Kaapo Kakko to Seattle.

In return, the Rangers have found a solid second-pairing defenseman, who has played up to expectations.

He's found success during his time here and thinks New York is a great place to commit to.

«Pretty quickly,» Borgen said about when he knew he wanted to stay in New York long term. «Once I got settled into the place and got used to everything, it was nothing but great. I like the city a lot, the guys here are great, the organization, everything's just been great, it's been fun to play here.»

It's not often players like Borgen find security in a contract like this right away.

Soon after Borgen signed his new deal, hescored a goal against the tough-nosed, high-flying Colorado Avalanche.

While we will never see Borgen play a game like Adam Fox, he's proven his value as someone who can play hard-nosed hockey. That's his calling card.

Before he arrived at Madison Square Garden he was known as "belligerent Bill" and was experienced in clearing the crease.

Protect MSG at all costs.

«It's the best,» Borgen said about playing at Madison Square Garden. «It was always my favorite rink to come and play in. It's always loud, energetic and every single time you get to play in there, it's awesome.»

Not everyone will get a chance to play with an original-six team during their NHL tenure, and Borgen has taken advantage of it.

He'll see all five years here if he plays his cards right.

He's played 18 games with the Rangers this season and scored 4 points (2 G, 2 A) and will make $4.41 million against the teams cap.

"Belligerent" Bill's contract will have some neat perks too.

Part of the sticker shock on the Will Borgen contract is related to the no-trade protection. Borgen, 28, will have full no-trade protection for the first two years of his contract (age 29, 30). It then reduces to a 10 team no-trade (age 31), then a 6-team no trade (age 32), then no protection at all in the final year (age 33

GM Chris Drury has a lot of confidence in the defenseman's abilities giving him a no-trade clause.

Now, it's up to Borgen to prove his worth and help push the team into a playoff spot.

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Will Borgen Breaks Silence on His Rangers Contract Extension: “It’s About More Than Just Hockey”

The New York Rangers feel they have a solid defenseman in Will Borgen. This week they announced they had extended Borgen's contract to a five-year, $4.1 million deal.

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