Two unexpected New York Rangers defenseman quietly putting on a performance that deserves more recognition
Photo credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
Defensemen Will Borgen and Carson Soucy have played unexpectedly well with the New York Rangers this season. Both acquired during 2024-25, we weren't sure what they had to offer the team, but they are now off to strong starts.
The New York Rangers added two defenseman in 2024-25 who have given the team great effortt as depth players lately.
Carson Soucy was traded to the New York Rangers for a draft pick last season, and Will Borgen was brought over in the Kaapo Kakko trade.
Both took to New York well last season, after Borgen had been struggling in Seattle with the Kraken, scoring 2 points (1-1) in 33 games.
This was after a 2022-23 season where he was a key piece in the team's lineup, finishing with 17 points (3-14) in 82 games.
He'd follow up that 82-game season with another solid year in the Kraken uniform, scoring 25 points (3-22) in 82 games and playing 17:35 time on ice in Seattle.
Now, he's found his footing in the Blueshirt:
After the trade, the Rangers played Borgen on their second pair alongside K'Andre Miller, who had also struggled early in the season. He played well defensively after the trade, and even chipped in offensively, and earned a five-year, $20.5 million extension. He had four goals, nine assists, was plus-9, and averaged 18:18 per game in 51 games with New York.
He's found himself on a second-pairing this year with a familiar teammate in Seattle, Carson Soucy. The duo has provided stellar play, as Borgen has provided great defense, plays smart with and without the puck, and has stayed in position when it matters the most.
Borgen would provide an offensive punch for the Rangers, scoring a goal with a wrist shot in the team's 7-3 defeat of the Lightning. He has 3 points (1-2) in 18 games with the Rangers this year and is averaging 18:43 time on the ice, with a +4.
The team has rewarded Borgen with a new contract that pays him $4.1 million AAV (average annual value).
He has earned every penny.
Defenseman Carson Soucy's 2025-26 season
Soucy has been a proven defensive commodity in the NHL, beginning his career with the Minnesota Wild. He'd spend two years with the Kraken after being selected by the team during the expansion draft.
He'd later end up in Vancouver, playing 40 games for the team in 2023-24, and scored 6 points (2-4). He played 59 games for the Kraken last year and scored 11 points (4-7) before being traded to New York before the trade deadline last year.
Soucy has been a legitimate defensive defenseman for the Rangers, providing them with the capability of clearing the crease, and he helped the team defeat the Lightning with a massive hit, which gave the Rangers possession of the puck.
He'd complete a pass to Alexis Lafreniere, which the Rangers would capitalize on to score a goal, giving him an assist on the night.
The Rangers will need more play like above if they're to find themselves deep in the postseason. Given how well Mike Sullivan has constructed the defense this year, it might not be unrealistic to suggest the team is a fringe contender this year.
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 15 | 87 ANSWERS Two unexpected New York Rangers defenseman quietly putting on a performance that deserves more recognition Which New York Rangers defenseman out of these two is your favorite? | ||
| Carson Soucy | 26 | 29.9 % |
| Will Borgen | 61 | 70.1 % |
| List of polls | ||