Former Sabres Defender Generating Trade Interest

In his most recent 32 Thoughts column, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Will Borgen has been getting scouted by NHL teams looking for more defensive depth. Friedman also noted on The Fan Hockey Show that teams have "poked around" about him. 

Borgen, 27, carries a $2.7 million cap hit and is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), so he could be a decent rental for a playoff club to bring in. This is especially so if the Seattle Kraken end up being out of the playoff race as we get closer to the deadline. 

Borgen has had a bit of a slow start to the season, posting one goal, one assist, and a minus-11 rating in 31 games. However, he has the potential to produce more from the point when playing at his best, as he is coming off back-to-back seasons with at least 20 points. This includes setting new career highs last season with 22 assists and 25 points. 

Overall, Borgen could be a solid addition to a team needing help on the right side of their bottom pairing. He is also precisely the kind of player contenders love to snag, as he is a hard-hitting and big right-shot defender. 

Borgen was selected by the Sabres with the 92nd overall pick of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. In 14 games over two seasons with Buffalo, he had zero points, a minus-9 rating, and 42 hits.