Rangers’ Recall of Scott Morrow Amid Borgen’s Uncertainty
LAS VEGAS — The recent recall of Scott Morrow by the Rangers sheds light on how the team is approaching its defensive lineup. With Will Borgen sidelined due to an upper-body injury for the last two games, he aimed to return Tuesday night as the Rangers prepared to face the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.
Morrow, making his season debut on Sunday against the Red Wings, was set to step in for Borgen. Coach Mike Sullivan expressed enthusiasm for Morrow’s game, describing him as a strong two-way defenseman and a capable puck mover. “He was a bit questionable because we prefer right-handed shots on the right side,” Sullivan noted. “Both [assistant coach David Quinn] and I think it’s important for defensemen to play on their strong side. We didn’t want to put anyone in a tough position, which contributed to our decision to call Morrow up.”
Sullivan also acknowledged Morrow’s potential. “He brings great size and good instincts offensively. He really helps in transitioning from defense to offense,” he said. “We see room for growth in his game, and he’s physically able to compete at this level.” He added that Morrow has what it takes to potentially become an impactful player, though the timeline for that is uncertain. “He’ll get the chance to play, and we’re eager to see how he performs.”
Morrow is also aware of the challenging situation faced by the Hartford Wolfpack, who recently snapped a seven-game winless streak with an overtime win. He believes in his individual game and is focused on consistent improvement, even if his stats—one goal and one assist through 11 games—might not stand out. Before joining the Rangers, his last experience in the NHL was with the Hurricanes during last season’s Eastern Conference finals.
Reflecting on that experience, he shared, “I learned a lot. It’s important not to get too high or low. I was thrown in during the playoffs, and it felt like a rollercoaster. Things didn’t go my way at first, but whether things go well or poorly, you have to stay concentrated on what’s in front of you.” He emphasized the need to take each opportunity day by day.
Sunday marked Morrow’s 17th game in the NHL, and he registered just under ten minutes of ice time in the loss to Detroit. Still, he feels more prepared for the league now than he did last year.
