Will Cuylle skates toward Rangers captaincy as grit and goals redefine New York’s leadership vision
In a season that called for grit over glamour, Will Cuylle emerged as a dual threat for the New York Rangers, combining toughness with a burgeoning skill set. Far from being a mere flash in the pan, the 6-foot-3, 212-pound left wing has evolved into a cornerstone of the Rangers’ roster during his second full season. Cuylle’s work ethic, physical play, and rapidly developing abilities suggest he is poised to become a leader within the organization—perhaps even the captain they have long sought.
Transformation into a Core Player
Cuylle began the 2024–25 season in a third-line role alongside Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil. However, he quickly emerged as one of the squad’s most productive forwards, finishing with career highs in goals (20), assists (25), and total points (45) over 82 games. His physical presence was underscored by a staggering 301 hits, the highest by any Rangers player since the statistic has been tracked. Cuylle not only led the team with a +12 rating but also received the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, a fan-voted tribute to his relentless competitive spirit.
A Coach’s Perspective
Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette has praised Cuylle’s unique blend of speed and physicality. Reflecting on Cuylle’s early training camp performance, Laviolette noted, “He was a noticeable player with his speed and his physicality. The chances he gets in practice and the way he can finish indicate a potential for him to score goals and create up here as well.” This recognition from the coaching staff further solidifies Cuylle’s growing role within the team.
Steady Progression on the Ice
Cuylle’s rise has been impressive. After averaging just 11:08 of ice time per game as a rookie, he saw that number increase to 15:05 in his second year. He embraced critical responsibilities, including penalty-killing and second power-play duties, making history as the first Ranger under 23 to achieve 20 points in just 23 games since Alex Kovalev in the 1995-96 season. This upward trajectory culminated in a two-year, $7.8 million contract extension signed this summer, signaling the Rangers’ commitment to Cuylle as a long-term asset rather than just a supporting player.
Intangible Qualities Shine Through
Beyond the impressive stats, Cuylle’s intangibles play a significant role in his ascendance. Veterans and fans admire his consistent effort, irrespective of the game’s outcome. Online discussions laud him as a “beast,” highlighting his blend of heart and skill—a modern workhorse with an old-school mentality. In a time when the Rangers needed a cultural shift, Cuylle has started to embody the reinvigorated ethos of the team, replacing stale habits with physicality, defensive awareness, and leadership by example.
The Search for Leadership
With Jacob Trouba departed and no captain officially named, the Rangers are on the lookout for a new leader. While Cuylle is not yet in the same conversation as Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin, or Vincent Trocheck, his trajectory suggests a promising future. His combination of power, consistency, and scoring ability positions him as a strong candidate for an alternate captaincy—and potentially the captaincy itself—as the team redefines its leadership.
Room for Growth
Cuylle is still young and has areas to improve. His Corsi rating sits just below even, and to ascend to the upper echelon of players, he will need to enhance his faceoff skills, refine puck distribution, and possibly step into a top-six offensive role. However, if his past performance is any indication, Cuylle is more than capable of meeting these challenges head-on as he continues his journey with the Rangers.
