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Will Cuylle’s NHL Ascent: Making a Strong Case for the Rangers Roster

By Marvin Azrak

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 06: Will Cuylle #50 of the New York Rangers skates against the Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden on February 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 06: Will Cuylle #50 of the New York Rangers skates against the Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden on February 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Discover how Will Cuylle’s impressive preseason performance could secure him a spot on the New York Rangers’ opening night roster. 

Will Cuylle is making a solid case for a spot on the New York Rangers’ opening night roster. With two goals and one assist in five preseason games, the 21-year-old forward is showing that he’s NHL-ready.

Head coach Peter Laviolette has praised Cuylle’s physical play and upward trajectory.“He plays physical with his size and skating,” Laviolette  said.

Cuylle’s journey to the Rangers has been impressive. He was selected in the second round of the 2020 Draft after the Rangers traded Lias Andersson to the Kings.

Last season, he performed well in the AHL, tallying 45 points in 69 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack. He even earned two call-ups to the Blueshirts, where he made his presence felt with hits and fighting majors.

Cuylle said, “I’ve just  been trying to show my game every chance I get. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel out there. I’m just playing fast and physically trying to crash the net.”

Will Cuylle’s Preseason Performance Puts Him in Contention for Rangers Roster Spot:

AHL writer Patrick Williams believes Cuylle has an excellent chance to make the Rangers this season due to his straightforward playing style.

“He plays a very simple up and down game. I think translates easier to the NHL when you don’t add too much complication to your game. He’s a great candidate to play for the Rangers with a great shot at camp to make the team.”

However, Cuylle faces competition from low-cost veteran free-agent signings by team president and GM Chris Drury, including Blake Wheeler and Nick Bonino. The position of Alexis Lafreniere could also impact Cuylle’s fate.

Injuries to players like Tyler Pitlick and uncertainty around Filip Chytil’s health might allow  the 21 year-old  to secure his spot on the roster anyways. With two years left on his entry-level contract at an affordable $902,500 AAV, Cuylle seems like an excellent fit for the Rangers.

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