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Buffalo Sabres: Getting to know prospect Will Borgen

By Nick McAdam

ST PAUL, MN - MARCH 30: The St. Cloud State Huskies look on during the third period of the final game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the West Regional of the 2014 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship on March 30, 2014 at Xcel Energy Center in St Paul, Minnesota. The Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the St. Cloud State Huskies 4-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
ST PAUL, MN - MARCH 30: The St. Cloud State Huskies look on during the third period of the final game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the West Regional of the 2014 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship on March 30, 2014 at Xcel Energy Center in St Paul, Minnesota. The Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the St. Cloud State Huskies 4-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Buffalo Sabres are looking towards the next chapter of their defensive core, with the signing of exciting NCAA prospect Will Borgen.

Will Borgen is headed to Western New York. The defenseman will skip his senior season with St. Cloud State, after inking a three-year entry-level deal with the Buffalo Sabres.

The 21-year-old was drafted by Buffalo in the fourth round in the 2015 NHL Draft. His new deal will see him play out the rest of the year with the Rochester Americans, while the monetary amount won’t kick in until next season.

ESPN  confirmed when the actual deal was reached:

"The deal was reached Sunday, three days after Borgen’s season ended when the top-ranked Huskies lost 4-1 to Air Force in the first round of the NCAA tournament."

The Minnesota native has notched over 10 points in each year with his college team. In the past campaign Borgen played 36 games, while amassing two goals and 13 assists for 15 points.

The young defenseman has already had a taste of international experience with the United States in the World Junior Championship in 2016. Borgen may have only scored three assists, but his team claimed the Bronze Medal that year.

Borgen’s point totals come with even more of an impression simply because of the fact he’s listed as a defensive defenseman. The right-shot defenseman won the NCAA Best Defensive Defenseman award and was an honorable mention for the All-Star Team.

For the 2015 draft, Borgen was listed ranked as the 114th North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. However, time has passed and Borgen has exceeded some expectations.

One cautionary point to look for in Will’s game is his PIM total, which has ranged from 30-50 for a good portion of his career. Penalty minutes kill the Sabres in games and every regular defender except Viktor Antipin has gone over the 20 mark.

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The Sabres could use more right-shot talent, considering there are only three of them on the current defense core.

The contract also continues to prove that Buffalo looks to be committed to a long-term plan defensively. Time is ticking for Josh Gorges, and Nathan Beaulieu should be allowed to join him at the door, while players such as Borgen and Brendan Guhle will step in.

At the same time, it may be a matter of a year or two before fans see Borgen in the blue and gold. He needs more time for development, but could see the professional level before the age of 23.

Exceeding his expectations has given Borgen a chance at the next level. Despite having to realistically wait a few more years for his real potential to show, the Sabres are banking on the chances of him starting in defense for the years ahead.

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What’s your take on Borgen? How long do you predict it will take, before he makes his NHL debut for the Buffalo Sabres. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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