Will Borgen is ready to bring his physical strength to the Rangers’ blue line

DALLAS, Texas – The focus in acquiring Will Borgen was on the 28-year-old defenseman’s physicality.

At 1.80 meters tall and weighing 90 kilograms, he is expected to prove this in his Rangers debut on Friday evening against the Stars.

However, after taking reps with multiple defensemen during Thursday’s practice, it’s unclear who Borgen will line up alongside in his first third-team game of his NHL career.

“He’s a great defender who brings a physical component,” head coach Peter Laviolette said after the Rangers practiced at the Stars’ training facility in Farmers Branch. “He skates really well, has a good first pass and moves the puck. He’s a nice addition, a big guy who can skate with some physicality and play with some grit. That’s a good thing.”

Borgen had just arrived at the hotel in Chicago when Ron Francis, Kraken’s general manager, informed him that he had been transferred to New York.

He packed his things and headed to the airport as quickly as possible, apparently in time to get to training in Texas the next day.

Since he is an unrestricted free agent, Borgen knew a trade could potentially happen.

The fact that his performance had declined this season was also an indication to Borgen that he could be on the rise.

“It’s mixed emotions,” said Borgen, whom the Kraken selected from the Sabers in their 2021 expansion draft. “I’ve been in Seattle since the beginning and had a lot of fun there, but I’m excited to be here.” Original Six Team, New York City. It will be exciting. I look forward to it.”

The trade just happened, so there hasn’t been much discussion between the Rangers and Borgen about what role he will play.

In Seattle, he was a top-four prospect for most of his tenure before the Kraken signed Brandon Montour last offseason, which dropped Borgen to the third pair.

Borgen knows Jonny Brodzinski and Ryan Lindgren.

Borgen and Brodzinski are graduates of the St. Cloud State hockey program, where Borgen joined Brodzinski’s brother, Easton, in his final season there.

Lindgren’s brother Charlie also played at St. Cloud during Borgen’s first year.

“I think I’m a pretty good running defender,” said Borgen, who will wear No. 17. “I think I can keep up with most guys. “I’m physical. I play with a certain edge and try to bring it in every night. Try to gather some energy for the group.”

Artemi Panarin (upper body injury) ran in a green non-contact jersey on Thursday.

The Russian star winger’s status, as well as that of Matt Rempe, is uncertain for Friday’s game against the Stars.

Rempe missed practice because he was on his way to Dallas after being recalled Wednesday evening.

K’Andre Miller (upper body injury, injured reserve) was unable to make the trip with the Rangers but has resumed skating in New York.