It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the March 7 trade deadline and general managers are looking to make big moves. Some of these moves could be trades, but other could be signings. We’ve seen a few deals already, but there will be a number of them will be coming soon. A number of these of these new acquisitions could already be seeking new contracts. This edition of NHL rumours deals with the New York Rangers seeking to sign one of those new acquisitions.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
New York Rangers Seek to Sign New Asset
Rumour: A number of source are indicating that the Rangers want to sign newly-acquired defenceman Will Borgen to a contract extension. The 28-year-old came over from the Seattle Kraken as part of the Kaapo Kakko trade. This is according to outlets like the New York Post and The Fourth Period.
Analysis: Borgen has immediately provided stability to a Rangers’ blueline that needed it. New York still has some struggles on the back-end, but Borgen has come over and been what the team needs.
The Moorhead, Minn. native is in the final year of a two-year deal that sees him making $2.7 million per season. There was some worry that he would be flipped to a contending team if the Blueshirts continued their plunge down the standings.
However, the Rangers have seemingly gotten their feet under them and feel they have a shot at making the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Rangers General Manager Chris Drury seems like he wants to keep Borgen beyond this season.
The deal seems to be working out for both sides as Kakko seems to be renewed since being sent to the Pacific Northwest. Both sides seem doing well with their new players. However, both players will need new contracts at the end of the season.
What it Means
Drury has some work to do if he wants to keep Borgen. The Blueshirts GM has to also re-sign K’Andre Miller, Will Cuylle, Adam Edstrom and a number of young players.
Borgen will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and his play could get him a good deal. However, Drury has time to get a new deal for the big defenceman before July 1 rolls around.
There had been rumours that the Rangers could trade veterans like Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad to clear out cap space and accelerate the youth movement. The Rangers have a number of young and exciting players that seem to be the future of the franchise.
A deal involving one of those veterans may not happen. However, trading away one or more of those players could give the Rangers more flexibility in keeping some youthful components that will prove key to a retooling.
Some thought the Rangers were out of the fight for a post-season spot. However, the acquisition of Borgen and improved play may yet help the team salvage a season that has been marked with disappointment.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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