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Will Cuylle leads the league in a very surprising stat

Tied for the NHL lead in hits with 49 while contributing six points, Will Cuylle is anchoring the Rangers' third line and giving Mike Sullivan the exact heavy identity every contender craves.
ByBrian Germinaro
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Mar 7, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New York Rangers left wing Will Cuylle (50) skates with the puck against the New Jersey Devils during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
Mar 7, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New York Rangers left wing Will Cuylle (50) skates with the puck against the New Jersey Devils during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Rangers have been one of the best teams in the league this season. In their first 11 games, they have a record of 7-3-1, for 15 points. They currently are tied with the Carolina Hurricanes for first place in the Metropolitan Division. There are many reasons for the Rangers' success this season, but one of them has been the play of Will Cuylle. He may be solid offensively, logging three goals and three assists for six points, but it's his physical play that has stood out. He is currently tied with Kiefer Sherwood for the most hits in the NHL with 49.

While his play may be catching the rest of the league by surprise, it isn't for Rangers fans. This is the type of player fans have been expecting Cuylle to be for years. He is becoming the strong power forward that many have been waiting for him to be. Someone they can rely on to put the puck in the back of the net or lay a big hit. But why did Rangers fans know this play was coming when the rest of the league did not?

Will Cuylle is becoming the player Rangers fans thought he could be

For years, the Rangers have envisioned Cuylle as the perfect middle-six winger as they believed he had the offensive skills to lengthen a lineup. He also has the physicality and defensive responsibility to handle a shutdown third line, and this versatility is quite valuable for the organization. Something like this has become a staple of competitive teams in today's game. This is the type of player that every team wants to have, as it gives a head coach a ton of flexibility to roll out different line combinations.

But throughout his career, Cuylle has not taken the next step like he has this year. Sure, he played well in his first full season in the NHL and has shown flashes. But his play always seemed to take a step back when he was given a bigger role. Whenever he was given more minutes or played against tougher competition, he began to struggle. This gave him a bad reputation around the league of a player who could not handle the big moment.

Now that Cuylle is stapled on the third line alongside Noah Laba and Eeli Tolvanen, it's allowing him to reach his full potential. He is the star of the line, and it has been very effective this season, with 2.5 xGoals For per 60 Minutes. Being the most productive player on a line that is working will give him more recognition throughout the league. It will cause him to get more national spotlight, which will cause hockey fans to see him the same way Rangers fans have.

While he may not be the top-six scoring forward fans and the organization hoped for, fans are very happy that Cuylle has found his place. If he keeps playing like this, he should be in store for one of his better seasons.

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