The recalling of Scott Morrow by the Rangers amid uncertainty surrounding Will Borgen’s status provided some insight into the team’s approach to configuring the defense.
As the Rangers prepared to face the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena, Borgen, who missed the previous two games with an upper-body injury, was a game-time decision once again Tuesday night.
Morrow made his season debut Sunday night against the Red Wings and was prepared to continue in Borgen’s stead.
“We’ve been really excited about Scotty’s game,” head coach Mike Sullivan said after the morning skate on Tuesday. “I think he’s a good, solid two-way defenseman. I think he’s a good puck mover, in particular. Given the fact that we have a right-handed shot that was questionable [Borgen], both [assistant coach David Quinn] and I prefer to have defensemen on their strong side, for a lot of reasons. We could talk for three days on it. The other aspect of it is some of our lefties just aren’t comfortable playing the offside … it’s very different. We didn’t want to put any of the players in difficult circumstances. So that was part of the decision for Scotty to get called up.
“We’re also excited about his game and potentially where it could go. He’s a really good puck mover. We think he has decent instincts offensively. He can help us with a transition game. He’s pretty good along the offensive blue line. He has good size. I think, positionally, there’s an opportunity for growth there and I think we’ve got a chance to help him. Physically, I think he’s capable of playing at this level. He’s hockey strong, and he has good size.
Scott Morrow skates with the puck while defended by Andrew Copp during the first period of the Rangers’ loss to the Red Wings on Nov. 16, 2025.
“Those are all the things that attracted us to him in the first place. We think potentially he has the ability to be an impact player at this level at some point in time. When that happens, I think it depends on him and it depends on the situation. He’ll get an opportunity to play and has got an opportunity to play. We’ll see where it goes.”
Noting that it’s been a tough stretch for the Hartford Wolf Pack, which snapped a seven-game winless streak with an overtime victory over Springfield on Tuesday afternoon, Morrow said he’s felt confident about his individual game.
The 23-year-old has just one goal and one assist through 11 games, but Morrow believes the bounces will eventually go his way if he sticks with it.
Before he made his Rangers debut on Sunday, Morrow’s last NHL appearance came with the Hurricanes in last season’s Eastern Conference final against the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Panthers.
“I definitely learned a ton in that experience,” he said. “You really can’t get too high or too low. I thought it was a little bit of an emotional roller coaster, not playing the first few rounds, getting thrown in there. Things don’t go my way Game 1 and it’s kind of back and forth a little bit. No matter how things go here, just know that you got to focus on what’s in front of you.
“No matter how well you played last game, it doesn’t matter. No matter how poorly you played and if you’re getting another opportunity, then it doesn’t matter. Just take it one day at a time.”
Rangers’ defenseman Will Borgen is still battling an injury.
Sunday counted as Morrow’s 17th regular-season contest of his NHL career. He logged just 9:56 of ice time in the 2-1 loss to Detroit, which was largely due to the Rangers’ surplus of shorthanded ice time in the third period.
“I feel a lot more ready for the NHL than I have, you know, at any point last year,” Morrow said.
DETROIT, MI · November 18, 2025
The Detroit Lions community is grieving after heartbreaking news confirmed the death of a 20 year old defensive phenom who many scouts believed could become a future MVP contender and a Defensive Player of the Year force for the franchise. The young standout was killed in a violent head on collision on U.S. 82 earlier this week. Police reported that the impact was so severe that both drivers died at the scene. The news sent shockwaves through the football world.
Although he had not yet reached the NFL, the Lions had followed his development closely. According to team evaluators, he possessed traits rarely seen at his age. Explosiveness. Leadership. Elite instincts. Many within the organization believed he could one day anchor a Detroit defense that has long dreamed of returning to dominance.
His college released a deeply emotional statement describing him as a young man defined by humility, respect and integrity. Coaches and teammates shared memories of a competitor who worked tirelessly and carried himself with maturity far beyond his years. Friends said his commitment to improving every day was matched only by his kindness.
News of his death spread quickly across social media. Fans from Detroit and around the nation posted tributes filled with shock and sorrow.
“Such a bright future. Gone far too soon.”
“He was going to be special. My heart breaks for his family.”
“We lost a future superstar today. This hurts.”
In his hometown, hundreds gathered for a balloon release in his honor. Students, teachers, former teammates and neighbors wore the school colors he proudly represented. They shared stories about a young man who inspired people with his talent but earned their love with his heart.
For the Lions, the tragedy hits deeply. The organization lost more than a potential future star. It lost the chance to see a gifted young man fulfill a dream he carried since childhood. A dream of someday wearing the Honolulu blue and becoming part of Detroit’s rise.
The story of his life will not be defined by the years he did not get to live. It will be remembered by the promise he carried and the impact he made on everyone who watched him grow. His potential was extraordinary. His legacy will remain.
Rest in peace. Detroit will not forget you.