February 5, 2025 not only marks the day the New York Rangers conclude their regular-season series against Boston, but also Will Cuylle's birthday.
Born on Feb. 2, 2002, the Canadian turns 23-years-old. Since joining the Rangers' organization during the 2022-23 season, Cuylle has played in 137 games and has tallied 26 goals and 22 assists for a total of 48 points.
He was drafted back in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers with the No. 60 overall pick during the second round.
Cuylle is currently signed to a three-year, $2,484,999 contract with a cap hit of $828,333 per season. His contract was signed on April 19, 2021, and expires at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Happy Birthday Cools! pic.twitter.com/wkvkHxMnMG
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 5, 2025
Rangers' head coach Peter Laviolette recently said he's very content with Cuylle's play as of late.
“I think [Cuylle] is playing good,” Laviolette said Wednesday. “I think throughout the course of the season there’s always ups and downs with regard to production. He’s still a guy that, for me, goes out and plays hard every game. He can be physical, he’s always tops in hits, tries to implement his presence out on the ice and still generates chances.”
Most recently against the Golden Knights, Cuylle sent the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy when he nailed Alex Pietrangelo during the third period of the eventual 4-2 win. The Rangers winger sent Pietrangelo flying in the air with one of the best open-ice hits anyone had seen from the Blueshirts all year.
No penalty was called and Vegas's Nicolas Hague immediately made a beeline to Cuylle and challenged him to a fight, with Cuylle quickly dropping his gloves. This only fired up his teammates even more as just a few minutes later the Rangers extended their lead, 4-2.
“I always try to play with lots of energy, play physical,” Cuylle said postgame on Sunday. “Sometimes when you lay a big hit it can kind of get guys going a bit. Just trying to do my job on the ice.”
This might be the biggest hit I’ve ever seen.
— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) February 3, 2025
Will Cuylle is a BEAST. pic.twitter.com/Rt5J0fP03L
As of late Cuylle had taken on a different role in the top six, becoming more of a shut-down player. In the past two games, the 6'3", 212 pound player has been on a line with Reilly Smith and Vincent Trocheck.
Hopefully for New York, Cuylle turning 23-years-old only helps him emerge as even more of a spark plug and valuable physical presence for the Rangers.