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Peter Laviolette Confirms When New Addition Will Borgen Will Make His Rangers Debut

Originally posted on NY Rangers Insider | By Joshua Deeds | Last updated Dec 19, 2024 4:47 PM ET

The New York Rangers traded former first-round pick Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday. The Rangers received a third- and sixth-round pick in return, with defenseman Will Borgen in tow.

With the New York Rangers defense lacking lately, GM Chris Drury felt the need to trade Kaapo Kakko for some depth in the role.

Will Borgen, who is no stranger to New York, started his NHL career with the Buffalo Sabres.

He was drafted 92nd overall in 2015 by the Sabres, and plated 14 total games with the team, until he was claimed by the Seattle Kraken during the expansion draft.

Since then, he's been a regular in the Kraken lineup and has played 247 total games in the NHL, scoring 55 points (9G, 46A).

According to Peter Laviolette, he will debut tomorrow against the Dallas Stars.

The trade surprised the Rangers faithful and fans who didn't expect Kakko to be moved so soon.

NHL Insider Frank Seravalli feels this is a great step forward for the Rangers.

Speaking on Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravelli praised the Rangers for landing Borgen.

"I just think Will Borgen is the perfect fit for this time right now," Seravelli explained. "We know that New York has been a mess in their own end, and they've had some outrageous turnovers and shoddy defensive play for awhile. They get a player who's just a steady eddy."

He'll have a chance to prove himself in the Rangers lineup on Friday against Matt Duchene, Logan Stankoven, Jason Robertson and Jake Oettinger.

This season, he's played 33 games for the Kraken and scored two points (1G, 1A) with a -13.

This article first appeared on NY Rangers Insider and was syndicated with permission.

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