The New York Rangers have a new identity after last season's disappointing run. There is a new head coach behind the bench in Mike Sullivan, a new captain in J.T. Miller, and all of your favorite players returning to try and give one last run at Lord Stanley.
If this franchise wants to be anywhere near that kind of territory, they must have a player or two become an ultimate X-factor. This player has to take over the game on a nightly basis. Whether it is scoring the puck, facilitating it, or making sure the opposition doesn't have it, this player has to be a difference maker.
Who can it be and why?
In Cuylle we trust
On a team that had so much failure and lackluster performances, there was one player who had the best year of his career. Further than that, they put up some solid numbers overall and have given the Rangers a new replacement for a fan-favorite that was traded to Anaheim, Chris Kreider.
The newest X-factor for the Rangers is, in fact, Will Cuylle. In 2024-25, the 23-year-old finally emerged onto the bright lights of Broadway and embraced the Garden Faithful with open arms. In his second full season with the club, he scored 20 goals and added 25 assists, for 45 points.
Looking at the rest of his stat line, he was also very dominant against the opposing team when they had the puck. He led the Rangers in hits with 301, which is now the highest in team history, ahead of former captain Ryan Callahan, who had 285 hits in 2009-10.
Cuylle has been so good for this franchise that he might be able to enjoy some top-six minutes this season. Head Coach Mike Sullivan is very high on this kid, and after his dominating campaign in 2024-25, it is easy to see why.
#NYR coach Mike Sullivan on Will Cuylle: “I would envision him playing in the top six, at least to start.”
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) September 19, 2025
The stars have aligned for Cuylle to have a monster year in 2025-26. If he can continue to be a menace against the opposition, score plenty of goals, and most importantly, do all the things to help win hockey games, sign him up for an X-factor label.