Will Borgen
American ice hockey player (born 1996)

Ice hockey player
Will Borgen
Borgen with the Seattle Kraken in 2022.
Born (1996-12-19) December 19, 1996 (age 29)
Moorhead, Minnesota, U.S.
Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight 204 lb (93 kg; 14 st 8 lb)
Position Defense
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams		 New York Rangers
Buffalo Sabres
Seattle Kraken
NHL draft 92nd overall, 2015
Buffalo Sabres
Playing career 2018–present

William "Will" Borgen (born December 19, 1996) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a defenseman for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fourth round, 92nd overall, of the 2015 NHL entry draft.

Growing up in Moorhead, Minnesota, Borgen began his hockey career with Moorhead High School. Following his third year with the team, Borgen joined the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League. Borgen then opted to join St. Cloud State University of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, where he played for the better part of three years. While Borgen was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2015, he only joined the organization in 2017, after his third year with St. Cloud, playing with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League. He made his NHL debut with Buffalo in 2019, the team for which he would play for until 2021, when he was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL expansion draft. Midway through his fourth year with Seattle, Borgen was traded to the New York Rangers for Kaapo Kakko, along with draft picks.

Internationally, Borgen has represented the United States at the 2016 World Junior Championships. He was named to the roster for the 2018 Winter Olympics, but he did not see any ice time.

Playing career

Junior

For the first three years of his hockey career, Borgen played with Moorhead High School in Minnesota, competing in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). In 2013, he and Moorhead went to the MHSHL Tournament.[1] On March 22, 2014, during the 2013–14 season, a skate blade clipped Borgen's neck, cutting through some neck muscle, but stopping just short of his carotid artery.[2] Borgen ended his first two seasons with Moorhead totaling 12 goals, 32 assists, and 61 penalty minutes through 57 regular season and playoff games.[3]

During the 2014–15 season, with Moorhead through the regular season and playoffs, he collected 28 points and 70 penalty minutes through 27 games.[4] Borgen then joined the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) to complete the 2014–15 season. He played 21 games with the Lancers, notching one goal and seven assists for eight points.[5][6] He was ranked 114th overall in the NHL Bureau of Central Scouting's North American skater rankings.[5] Borgen was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2015 NHL entry draft, in the fourth round, 92nd overall.[7]

Collegiate

Ice hockey player in a red jersey skating while holding his stick out
Borgen with the St. Cloud State Huskies in 2017

Following his time with the Lancers, Borgen began his collegiate career with the St. Cloud State Huskies of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). During the 2015–16 season, his freshman season at St. Cloud State, Borgen recorded his first collegiate point, an assist, in a game against Miami University on October 30.[8] He later recorded his first collegiate goal against Western Michigan University.[9] In the end, he recorded 11 assists through 22 games, leading all NCHC freshman defensemen. As a result, he was selected to the NCHC All-Rookie team.[10]

In a game during the 2016–17 season, Borgen, while arguing a call, shoved a referee, causing him to gain a two-game suspension. That season, he notched two goals and 10 assists with 60 penalty minutes through 33 games.[11][12] Partway through the 2017–18 season, Borgen had recorded two goals and 12 assists for a career-high and team-leading 14 points to become the NCHC Defensive Defenseman of the Year.[13] He was also named an All-NCHC Team Honorable Mention.[14] He ended the season with one more assist, for 13 total.[15]

Professional

After his junior season with the Huskies, Borgen was signed to a three year, entry-level contract by the Buffalo Sabres on March 25, 2018.[16][17] Until the beginning of his contract the next season, Borgen was assigned to the Sabres' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans, and he signed an amateur tryout agreement with the team.[18] During the 2017–18 season, Borgen only played eight games with Rochester.[19] During the 2018–19 season, in Rochester, Borgen tallied three goals and 11 assists for 14 points through 71 games.[20] Near the end of the season, on March 26, 2019, Borgen made his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators.[21] Borgen's call-up to the NHL that season would let him play four games.[22] During the 2019–20 season, Borgen notched only one goal and 10 assists for 11 points in 61 games.[23] During the 2020–21 season, Borgen played 10 games with Buffalo, totaling 30 hits and 14 blocked shots.[24]

Multiple ice hockey players in Seattle Kraken jerseys surrounding each other
Borgen and teammates celebrating his first career playoff goal in 2023

On July 21, 2021, Borgen was selected from the Sabres by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 NHL expansion draft.[25] The Kraken then signed Borgen to a two-year, US$1,800,000 contract on August 5.[22][24] Borgen scored his first NHL goal on January 2, 2022, against the Vancouver Canucks.[26] He ended the 2021–22 season with two goals and six assists through 36 contests.[27]

On February 7, 2023, Borgen played in his 100th career game, a 4–0 loss to the New York Islanders.[28] During the 2022–23 season, Borgen achieved three goals and 17 assists through all 82 games, which at the time were his career highs.[29] On April 24, He scored his first NHL playoff goal, the first goal of a 3–2 overtime victory over the Colorado Avalanche.[30] Borgen ended up playing all 14 playoff games with the Kraken.[29] Following the season, on July 7, Borgen signed a two-year, US$5,400,000 contract with the Kraken.[31] On January 1, 2024, during the outdoor 2024 NHL Winter Classic against the Vegas Golden Knights, Borgen scored the second goal of the game—also his first of the season—as part of a 3–0 victory.[32] During the 2023–24 season, Borgen set even greater career highs, collecting 22 assists, which ,combined with three goals, totaled to 25 points.[33][34]

During the 2024–25 season, on December 18, 2024, Borgen was traded by the Kraken to the New York Rangers along with third-round and sixth-round draft picks in 2025 in exchange for Kaapo Kakko.[33] In 33 games with Seattle before the trade, Borgen had had one goal and one assist.[34] On January 25, 2025, he was signed by New York to a five-year, US$20,500,000 contract.[35] With New York that season, Borgen recorded four goals and nine assists for 13 points through 51 games. He also totaled 73 hits and 80 blocked shots.[36]

International play

Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2016 Helsinki

Borgen was selected to represent the United States junior team at the 2016 World Junior Championships. He contributed to the team with three assists in seven games, as the United States captured the bronze medal.[37]

On January 1, 2018, Borgen was selected to the United States' roster for the 2018 Winter Olympics, one of four collegiate players to receive the honor.[38] However, Borgen did not play any games during his time with the team.[17]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2012–13 Moorhead High MSHSL 24 3 16 19 22 3 0 1 1 0
2013–14 Moorhead High MSHSL 24 6 10 16 35 3 2 3 5 2
2014–15 Moorhead High MSHSL 24 5 21 26 64 3 1 1 2 6
2014–15 Omaha Lancers USHL 18 1 5 6 0 3 0 0 0 0
2015–16 St. Cloud State NCHC 37 1 13 14 36 — — — — —
2016–17 St. Cloud State NCHC 33 2 10 12 60 — — — — —
2017–18 St. Cloud State NCHC 36 2 13 15 68 — — — — —
2017–18 Rochester Americans AHL 8 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2018–19 Rochester Americans AHL 71 3 11 14 56 3 0 0 0 0
2018–19 Buffalo Sabres NHL 4 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2019–20 Rochester Americans AHL 61 1 10 11 76 — — — — —
2020–21 Buffalo Sabres NHL 10 0 0 0 4 — — — — —
2021–22 Seattle Kraken NHL 36 2 6 8 28 — — — — —
2022–23 Seattle Kraken NHL 82 3 17 20 47 14 1 2 3 8
2023–24 Seattle Kraken NHL 82 3 22 25 65 — — — — —
2024–25 Seattle Kraken NHL 33 1 1 2 9 — — — — —
2024–25 New York Rangers NHL 51 4 9 13 33 — — — — —
NHL totals 298 13 55 68 186 14 1 2 3 8

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2016 United States WJC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 7 0 3 3 2
Junior totals 7 0 3 3 2

Awards and honors

Award Year Ref
College
NCHC All-Rookie Team 2016 [10]
NCHC Best Defensive Defenseman 2018 [13]
NCHC Honorable Mention All-Star Team 2018 [14]

References

  1. ^ "Moorhead graduate Will Borgen selected by Seattle Kraken in NHL Expansion Draft". InForum. July 21, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  2. ^ Baugh, Peter (March 27, 2025). "Borgen's past skate cut, celebrating Sam Rosen, Mancini reunion: Rangers observations". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  3. ^ Hatten, Mick (September 22, 2014). "SCSU hockey lands Moorhead defenseman". St. Cloud Times. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  4. ^ Hatten, Mick (April 20, 2015). "Who may be in SCSU hockey freshman class? Here's a look". St. Cloud Times. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Hatten, Mick (June 24, 2015). "College hockey: Borgen is SCSU's top NHL Draft prospect". St. Cloud Times. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  6. ^ Murphy, Chris (June 27, 2015). "Moorhead's Borgen drafted by Buffalo in the NHL draft". InForum. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  7. ^ Hatten, Mick (June 27, 2015). "NHL Draft: SCSU defenseman taken in 4th round by Sabres". St. Cloud Times. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  8. ^ "#9 St. Cloud State men's hockey at WMU on Nov. 13-14". St. Cloud State Huskies. November 11, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  9. ^ "#5 St. Cloud State edges Western Michigan 4-3 in OT". St. Cloud State Huskies. March 11, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  10. ^ a b "St. Cloud State's Borgen and Schuldt named to NCHC All-Rookie team". St. Cloud State Huskies. March 8, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  11. ^ Harvey, Jack (March 10, 2017). "NCHC suspends Will Borgen". Dakota Student. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  12. ^ Hatten, Mick (March 7, 2017). "Men's hockey: SCSU's Borgen suspended 2 games by NCHC". St. Cloud Times. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  13. ^ a b Hatten, Mick (March 15, 2018). "SCSU's Borgen, Motzko receive NCHC awards". St. Cloud Times. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  14. ^ a b "St. Cloud State's Bob Motzko and Will Borgen earn 2017–18 NCHC awards". St. Cloud State Huskies. March 15, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  15. ^ "What's Kraken: Two former Huskies selected in expansion draft". St. Cloud State Huskies. July 22, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  16. ^ "Sabres sign Borgen to entry-level contract". National Hockey League. March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  17. ^ a b "Sabres sign Will Borgen to entry-level deal". Sportsnet. March 25, 2018. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
  18. ^ "Amerks clinch playoff berth, add Borgen and Peterson". National Hockey League. March 27, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  19. ^ LaBarber, Jourdon (September 8, 2018). "Borgen looks to repeat physical performance against Bruins". National Hockey League. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  20. ^ Seltenrich, Brandon (July 22, 2021). "Kraken Select Will Borgen From the Buffalo Sabres". The Hockey Writers. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  21. ^ "Former Husky Will Borgen makes NHL debut with Buffalo". scsuhuskies.com. March 27, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  22. ^ a b Condor, Bob (August 5, 2021). "Will Borgen Agrees to Terms with Kraken". National Hockey League. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  23. ^ Vogl, John (August 8, 2020). "Breaking down the Sabres' current organizational player depth chart". The Athletic. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  24. ^ a b "Seattle Kraken Agree to Terms with Defenseman Will Borgen". National Hockey League. August 5, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  25. ^ "Kraken hold NHL Expansion Draft in Seattle". National Hockey League. July 22, 2021. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  26. ^ "Kraken's Will Borgen: Nets first NHL goal". CBS Sports. January 2, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
  27. ^ Condor, Bob (October 31, 2022). "In the Lineup, On the Wakeup". National Hockey League. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  28. ^ Charles, Scott (November 9, 2025). "Horvat scores as Islanders shut out Kraken 4–0". The Columbian. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  29. ^ a b Condor, Bob (December 18, 2023). "Borgen: Past, Present, Future". National Hockey League. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  30. ^ Condor, Bob (April 25, 2023). "Final Buzzer: OT and Not Over". National Hockey League. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  31. ^ Shefte, Kate (July 7, 2023). "Kraken, defenseman Will Borgen agree on two-year contract". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  32. ^ Brown, Darren (January 2, 2024). "Borgen scores 1st goal of season for Kraken in Winter Classic". National Hockey League. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  33. ^ a b Shefte, Kate; Booth, Tim (December 18, 2024). "Kraken trade Will Borgen and draft picks in search of offensive spark". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  34. ^ a b "Rangers Acquire Defenseman Will Borgen and Two Picks in 2025 NHL Entry Draft". National Hockey League. December 18, 2024. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
  35. ^ "Borgen signs 5-year, $20.5 million contract with Rangers". National Hockey League. January 25, 2025. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  36. ^ Ryan, Pete (November 27, 2025). "Will Borgen's Road to the New York Rangers". The Hockey Writers. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  37. ^ Wood, Jeff (January 5, 2016). "Frosh skater brings home bronze". St. Cloud State. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
  38. ^ "SCSU's Borgen, alumnus Roe named to U.S. Olympic team". St. Cloud Times. January 1, 2018. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
  • Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
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