DALLAS, Texas — The point of emphasis regarding the acquisition of Will Borgen was the 28-year-old defenseman’s physicality.
At 6-foot-3, 204 pounds, he is expected to get to show that off in his Rangers debut Friday night against the Stars.
After taking reps with several defensemen during practice Thursday, however, it is unclear whom Borgen will line up next to in his first game with the third team of his NHL career.
“He’s a big defenseman that brings a physical element,” head coach Peter Laviolette said after the Rangers held practice at the Stars practice facility in Farmers Branch. “He skates really well, has a good first pass, moves the puck. He’s a nice addition, a big guy that can skate with some physicality and play with an edge. That’s a good thing.”
Borgen had just gotten to the hotel in Chicago when Kraken general manager Ron Francis informed him he’d been traded to New York.
He packed his stuff and got over to the airport as quickly as he could, clearly making it out in time to get to practice in Texas the next day.
Since he’s a pending unrestricted free agent, Borgen knew a trade could potentially happen.
The fact that his play had dropped off this season also gave Borgen an indication that he could be on the move.
“It’s mixed emotions,” said Borgen, whom the Kraken selected from the Sabres in their expansion draft in 2021. “I was in Seattle since the beginning there and had a lot of fun there, but I’m excited to be here. Original Six team, New York City. It’ll be exciting. I’m looking forward to it.”
The trade only just happened, so there hasn’t been much conversation between the Rangers and Borgen regarding what his role will be.
He was a top-four option in Seattle for a majority of his tenure before the Kraken signed Brandon Montour this past offseason, which bumped Borgen down to the third pair.
Borgen is familiar with Jonny Brodzinski and Ryan Lindgren.
Borgen and Brodzinski are alums of the St. Cloud State hockey program, where Borgen overlapped with Brodzinski’s brother, Easton, in his final season there.
Lindgren’s brother, Charlie, also played at St. Cloud the first year Borgen did.
“I think I’m a pretty good skating defenseman,” said Borgen, who will wear No. 17. “I think I can skate with most guys. I’m physical. I play with a little bit of an edge and try to bring that every night. Try to get some energy for the group.”
Artemi Panarin (upper-body injury) skated in a green non-contact jersey Thursday.
The star Russian wing’s status, as well as Matt Rempe’s, is up in the air for Friday’s game against the Stars.
Rempe missed practice because he was en route to Dallas after getting recalled Wednesday night.
K’Andre Miller (upper-body injury, injured reserve) did not make the trip with the Rangers, but he has resumed skating in New York.