Will Cuylle Emerging as One of the Rangers' Top Forwards

Will Cuylle has been one of the Rangers' best forwards to begin the 2024-25 campaign. In the first three games, he has registered 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points. Notably, in the first game against the Penguins, he had a goal called back due to an offside review. Along with starting at a point-per-game pace, he leads the team, alongside his linemates Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil, with a +4 plus-minus rating. Cuylle has also been a noticeable force on the forecheck, winning numerous puck battles and continuing to play his physical style of hockey, leading the team with 14 hits.

In Cuylle's first full season as a rookie, he played in 81 games, scoring 13 goals and 8 assists, totaling 21 points for the season. His tenacious play style made him a noticeable player, as he consistently displayed his physicality and strong work ethic on the forecheck. He ranked first among rookies with 247 hits last year, which was 7th in the NHL overall. Cuylle also showed flashes of skill and skating ability that complemented his physical play style.

As the NHL, especially in the playoffs, becomes a more physical game, more teams are looking for players who can contribute both physically and on the scoresheet. While Cuylle was not a major factor in last year's playoffs, he played in all 16 games and registered 2 points, with a goal and an assist. He was +3 during the playoffs, and although his numbers weren't huge, when his line (with Wennberg and Kakko) was on the ice, they consistently created scoring chances and were able to control the play.

I have a lot of faith in Cuylle, and I think he will end up being one of the steals of the 2020 NHL Draft. He possesses many intangibles, such as a rare combination of physicality and skill, which is hard to come by in today’s NHL. I can see Cuylle becoming a top-six player for the Rangers in no time, and he should continue to develop all aspects of his game this season. I believe he will lead the team in hits, and I could also see him scoring around 20 goals and putting up around 40 points this season.

I do think Chytil will get the first opportunity for a spot in the top six if one becomes available—whether due to injury or if Coach Laviolette decides to shake things up. Cuylle is the prototype of the kind of player you want in the playoffs, and I can see him being a big part of the team if they go all the way and win their first Stanley Cup since 1994. All in all, I have a lot of faith in Cuylle, and he is passing the eye test as a player who will be one of the Rangers' best forwards this year and in the years to come.