The New York Rangers have long been one of the NHL’s most prominent franchises, combining a storied history with a modern-day vision of success that is rooted in youth development, elite talent acquisition, and smart roster management. As the team looks toward building a perennial contender, it must make key decisions on which young players are worth building around. One such player is Will Cuylle, a power forward who has quickly endeared himself to fans and coaches alike. Cuylle’s combination of physicality, offensive upside, work ethic, and character make him an essential piece of the Rangers’ long-term plans. As the franchise inches closer to fulfilling its championship aspirations, the importance of keeping a player like Cuylle cannot be overstated.
Cuylle’s journey to the NHL didn’t come with the same fanfare as some of his peers. Drafted 60th overall by the Rangers in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft, he wasn’t viewed as a top-tier prospect at the time. However, what he lacked in initial hype, he made up for with determination and progress. Cuylle made his name with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL, where he displayed a gritty two-way game and a scoring touch that steadily improved. His reputation as a hard-nosed winger who could throw his weight around while still producing points began to solidify during his time in junior hockey. His development took another step forward in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he demonstrated NHL-ready traits, including smart positioning, defensive responsibility, and a relentless motor.
By the time Cuylle cracked the Rangers’ roster for the 2023-24 season, it became evident that his style of play was tailor-made for the NHL. The Rangers, a team rich in skill with players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin, needed someone to add a different dimension—grit, intensity, and an ability to tilt the ice with physical dominance. Cuylle provided exactly that. He quickly established himself as one of the team’s most dependable bottom-six forwards, playing with maturity beyond his years. His ability to finish checks, wear down opponents, and hold his own in the offensive zone earned him the trust of head coach Peter Laviolette and the admiration of Rangers fans.
One of the primary reasons why the Rangers need to keep Cuylle for the long run is the way his style complements the current roster. The Rangers’ top-six forward group is laden with finesse and playmaking ability. Panarin, Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider are elite offensive producers, but they thrive when supported by players who create space and draw defensive attention. Cuylle’s tenacity on the forecheck and willingness to battle in the corners create openings for skilled teammates. He does the dirty work, wins puck battles, and goes to the net—something that every successful playoff team needs in spades. In the postseason, when space becomes limited and skill alone often isn’t enough, players like Cuylle become indispensable.
Moreover, Cuylle’s physical presence brings much-needed balance to the Rangers’ lineup. At 6’3” and over 210 pounds, he adds size and toughness that is not only useful during the grind of an 82-game season but becomes crucial in high-intensity playoff matchups. The Rangers have often been criticized in recent years for being too reliant on finesse and not having enough bite in their game. Cuylle addresses that concern head-on. His ability to stand up for teammates, engage in scrums, and deliver momentum-shifting hits makes him a player opponents need to be aware of every time he hops over the boards.
Another vital component of Cuylle’s value is his cost-effectiveness. As a player on his entry-level contract, he provides the Rangers with high-quality minutes at a bargain price. In a salary cap era, finding players who can contribute meaningfully without breaking the bank is a competitive advantage. Keeping Cuylle allows the Rangers to allocate more cap space toward retaining or acquiring high-end talent while still maintaining depth and toughness in the bottom six. When Cuylle eventually earns a new contract, the Rangers would still benefit from the cost-controlled nature of restricted free agency, giving them flexibility in managing the rest of the roster.
What also separates Cuylle from many other physical forwards is his offensive upside. He’s not just a grinder; he’s a player capable of contributing offensively, especially as he continues to grow in confidence and experience. His shot is underrated, and he has shown flashes of being a 15-20 goal scorer at the NHL level. If he continues to develop in that direction, his value skyrockets. Players who can bang bodies, kill penalties, and still chip in 15 goals a season are rare and sought-after commodities. For the Rangers to let a player like that go in favor of a more short-sighted roster move would be a mistake.
Character and leadership potential also factor into why Cuylle should be part of the Rangers’ future. By all accounts, he is well-liked in the locker room and carries himself like a professional. His time as captain of the Windsor Spitfires speaks to his leadership qualities and his ability to command respect from teammates. As the Rangers look to build a team culture rooted in accountability and resilience, Cuylle fits the mold perfectly. He leads by example and brings a work ethic that sets a tone for younger players and veterans alike. In a league where locker room chemistry can often make or break a season, Cuylle’s demeanor and attitude are invaluable.
The Rangers also need to consider the direction the league is heading. While speed and skill remain at a premium, there has been a resurgence in the appreciation for players who bring size and physicality. Teams that go deep in the playoffs often feature a blend of both. Look at recent Stanley Cup champions—the Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, and St. Louis Blues all had power forwards who played crucial roles. The Rangers would be wise to recognize that Cuylle fits this archetype perfectly and that letting him walk or including him in a trade would be a misstep in trying to emulate successful roster constructions.
In addition, Cuylle’s versatility gives the coaching staff options. While he’s primarily used on the third or fourth line, he has shown the ability to move up in the lineup when needed. His hockey IQ allows him to adapt to different roles, whether it’s checking top opponents, energizing the team with a big hit, or driving the net for a gritty goal. This adaptability makes him a Swiss Army knife-type player who can plug into various situations and thrive.
There is also a developmental trajectory to consider. Cuylle is still just in the early stages of his NHL career. Given his willingness to learn and compete, there’s every reason to believe that his best hockey is still ahead of him. With proper coaching and opportunity, he could evolve into more than just a bottom-six forward. He could become a key cog in the Rangers’ machine—a player who embodies the identity they aspire to play with: fast, hard, and relentless. He’s the type of player who could wear a letter on his jersey in the future, not just because of his play but because of the respect he garners from teammates and coaches.
Furthermore, letting Cuylle go could send the wrong message about the organization’s development philosophy. The Rangers have invested in building through the draft and developing their prospects. Cuylle is a shining example of that philosophy working. He wasn’t rushed, he paid his dues in the AHL, and he took a professional approach to reaching the NHL. If the team gives up on him too early or fails to reward that path with long-term stability, it could discourage other prospects from buying into the system. Retaining Cuylle reinforces a culture of development, patience, and loyalty—values that every sustainable franchise needs.
Lastly, the intangibles that Cuylle brings can’t be fully quantified, but they are felt during the most crucial moments. In tight games, during momentum swings, and especially in the grind of a playoff series, players like Cuylle rise to the occasion. He may not be the flashiest name on the roster, but he’s the type of player every winning team has. He wears down opponents, plays through pain, and does the things that don’t always show up on the scoresheet but win games.
In conclusion, the New York Rangers have a lot of star power, and rightfully so. But championships aren’t won by stars alone. They’re won with role players who go above and beyond, who battle for every inch of ice, and who make their presence felt in the moments that matter most. Will Cuylle is that kind of player. Letting him go or undervaluing his contribution would be a serious miscalculation. The Rangers must recognize what they have in Cuylle and commit to keeping him in New York for the long run. His value extends far beyond his current stat line—he represents the kind of hockey that wins in the spring, and the Rangers would do well to keep that kind of player in their locker room for years to come.
