Wһy Wіll Cuylle іs іnterestіng, іmрerfeсt fіt іn Rаngers toр 6

   

The New York Rangers have experimented with a multitude of options when it comes to their top-six forward group, particularly at right wing. Despite an offseason trade for Reilly Smith, who is presumed to take the right wing spot next to Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, a permanent fixture is still far from a certainty. But perhaps there’s an interesting route that hasn’t yet been fully explored.

NHL: Winnipeg Jets at New York Rangers

Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Will Cuylle may not be the prototypical top-six forward for the modern game, but there’s reason to buy into the 22-year-old being a strong fit.

His first full season in the NHL may not have been explosive offensively, but Cuylle established an identity as a gritty skater who’s willing to do all the dirty work. He finished ninth in the NHL with 249 hits, leading all rookies, and was a reliable piece in the bottom six, playing 81 of 82 regular-season games and all 16 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Despite playing on a low-producing checking line, Cuylle still managed 21 points and 13 goals. He ranked seventh on the team and sixth amongst forwards in goals, and tied with Pavel Dorofeyev of the Vegas Golden Knights for the ninth-most goals by an NHL rookie last season.

Though Cuylle’s on-ice performance in the NHL so far seems better suited for a bottom-six role, he’s been a lethal offensive threat in the AHL and juniors.

As a 20-year-old in 2022-23, Cuylle led the Hartford Wolf Pack with 25 goals, finishing second on the team with 45 points in 69 games. He racked up a ridiculous 43 goals and 80 points in 59 games as the captain of the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL the season prior.

It’s obviously much harder to do at the NHL, but perhaps that’s an indicator that Cuylle has room to grow, and could do so on a more talented and offensively potent line, especially after his impressive output considering he logged only 11:01 in ATOI last season.

Will Cuylle unlikely fit on Rangers top line

NHL: New York Rangers at Los Angeles Kings
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY SportsCredit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

It’s an interesting thought, but one that’s probably left better off as just that for now.