The New York Rangers are starting to recover from a challenging month that nearly sunk them to the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. With an improvement in overall performance, the team has achieved a record of 5-1-2 in January, following a dismal 4-15-0 in their last 19 games of 2024.
A standout development has been the defensive duo of K’Andre Miller and Will Borgen, both of whom had been struggling this season, with performance figures reflecting their career lows. Borgen, after a lackluster stint with the Seattle Kraken where he garnered just two points and a minus-13 rating over 33 games, joined the Rangers in a trade involving Kaapo Kakko last December. Miller has managed only two goals and seven points on a career-low shooting percentage, coupled with a minus-3 rating.
Despite their poor start, playing alongside one another has helped them find success. Coach Peter Laviolette paired them when Miller returned from injury on December 28. Initially, they did not achieve instant chemistry, but they quickly developed a strong bond, becoming arguably the Rangers’ top defensive pair in both ends.
This pairing strategy—combining a defensively strong player with one more inclined toward offense—is common across the NHL, and the Rangers have seen success using this approach before. For example, Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren formed a reliable duo, leading to significant success in prior seasons, including leading metrics for expected goals when on the ice.
Currently, the performance metrics support the effectiveness of the Miller-Borgen pairing, as they lead all active defensive pairs in their expected goals percentage and also rank high in goals for percentage, solidifying their impact.
Notably, in five of the last seven games, one or both players from this pairing have ranked among the team’s top performers. In a recent game against the Chicago Blackhawks, both posted substantial game scores, underlining their contributions to the team.
Borgen’s addition has been particularly beneficial for Miller, giving him more confidence to play aggressively. Laviolette acknowledged their strong performance, noting their ability to handle difficult matchups and that their partnership is strengthening.
The future of both players remains uncertain, as they are due for new contracts at season’s end—Borgen as an unrestricted free agent and Miller as a restricted free agent. While Miller has significant potential, he has struggled with consistency and defensive issues, which raises concerns about his long-term role with the Rangers. On the other hand, Borgen’s future is less certain; while he has improved since joining the Rangers, there is speculation he may be traded.
General manager Chris Drury might consider trading expiring contracts like Borgen’s for future assets, which could impact the defensive pair’s stability. However, shipping out an effective defenseman could be detrimental amid the team’s current challenges.
Borgen is viewed as a dependable option for a playoff team, and retaining him could be advantageous if the Rangers aim to contend for a Stanley Cup in the near future. However, with numerous uncertainties surrounding the roster, maintaining Borgen might not be a priority. If he does depart in free agency, the Rangers might lose the chance to gain compensation, complicating their roster decisions.
The Rangers find themselves in an uncertain situation following a strong performance in January. Should this momentum continue, they may re-enter the playoff race in the Eastern Conference, with Miller and Borgen playing pivotal roles in that resurgence, even as the team’s overall future remains uncertain.
