The New York Rangers are going to be looking at a lot of different things in 2026-27 to try and gauge their expected return to the "championship window". Every player is going to be evaluating on their performance, and expect a lot of changes to occur during the season.
One of the players that will be under the microscope is winger Will Cuylle. He is entering the second and final season of a two-year deal worth $3.9 million AAV. With his back against the wall and facing the prospect of being bounced out of New York due to a numbers crunch, this is the best and last shot for No. 50 to make a lasting impact.
Last chance to dance
This could be it for No. 50. We have all seen his playstyle and his willingness to give it all every single night. But it has seemed that it is not entirely enough, especially when he still has a point contribution of around 40.
The 2026-27 season will likely feature Cuylle on the third line, alongside some up-and-comers like Noah Laba and Tye Kartye. This is a chance for him to shine amongst his younger and less NHL-experienced linemates and also prove his ability to be a leader.
Another way that Cuylle can set himself up as a part of this franchise's future is his physicality. With 302 hits in 2025-26, he was only behind Yakov Trenin of Minnesota with 413 hits and Kiefer Sherwood of San Jose with 339. That was all well and good, but the penalty minutes were a big increase as well, as he elevated his time in the sin bin from 42 PIM to 65 PIM.
Youth is rising and he could be replaced quickly
There are two sides to that coin of playing with younger players. If Laba or Kartye blow past Cuylle in skill and show more positive play on the ice, then what is the point of holding onto someone who will still be around $4 million on his next deal?
The Rangers are going to cycle out more and more prospects throughout the season if the playoffs start to get out of reach. A number of veteran players will be judged and highlighted, and there is a good chance that a few of them are not on this team following the trade deadline in March.
Cuylle has to do everything in his power to make sure that he stays in this organization's good graces. Continuing to lay the body responsibly, whilst getting some career-highs with his younger linemates, guarantees him a Rangers winger for the 2027-28 season and beyond.
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