Will Cuylle: A Great Surprise for the New York Rangers
By subscribing to the TSLH Prospects Patreon, you gain the opportunity to receive monthly « scouting reports » on prospects of your choice. Some have opted for the « poolers » package to receive scouting reports to target players in their keeper pools. Recently, I took a look at the performance of Will Cuylle, the Rangers’ second-round pick from the 2020 draft.
Will Cuylle is currently in his second full season in the NHL. Last year, he finished the season with 21 points, including 13 goals, in 81 games. The 22-year-old forward had success in the AHL with Hartford the previous season, putting up 45 points, including 25 goals, in 69 games. Cuylle is off to a strong start this season with the Rangers, accumulating 11 points in 14 games. His contract expires this summer, so this production is coming at just the right time for a player who could be signing a bridge contract soon!
The Perfect Complement
Will Cuylle is proving to be the perfect complement to a line. Standing 6’3″ and weighing 212 lbs, the Canadian forward has the ideal build for the NHL. He is a player who enjoys punishing opponents on the ice, and this aspect of his game greatly helps his linemates. What’s more, his decisions on when to hit or not are almost always spot-on. In the games observed for this scouting report, Cuylle was paired with Vincent Trocheck and Reilly Smith on the second unit. The 22-year-old prospect brings a highly valuable dimension to this line.
Cuylle also brings great energy to the ice. When battling for the puck, he shows good determination. After delivering a hit, he continues to work and, if he loses the battle, Cuylle has good habits of quickly backchecking. He is also a player who frequently positions himself in traffic. Cuylle knows how to attract attention when stationed in front of the net, which opens up space for Trocheck and Smith on his line.
A Well-Earned Offensive Contribution
Offensively, Cuylle doesn’t stand out as an explosive player. As a power forward, he doesn’t possess dazzling hands, and he often struggles with puck control. It’s also hard to evaluate his shot, as he is the type of player who retrieves rebounds, takes pucks to the net, and tips shots. When given time, however, his shots have a power that matches Cuylle’s impressive physical strength.
His offensive production is something he works for. Cuylle earns his points, he doesn’t steal them. By positioning himself in front of the net or battling along the boards, the 22-year-old forward justifies his offensive contribution through hard work on the ice.
In general, Will Cuylle is not a highly mobile player nor incredibly skilled with the puck. His puck control and passing under pressure often result in turnovers or loss of possession. However, his constant presence in the crease creates opportunities, and it’s in this area where he is most dangerous. His physical presence is also valuable, and he does solid work in his own zone.
In Summary
Will Cuylle is currently on pace for 64 points in the 2024-2025 season. I don’t believe he will reach 60 points, but a 40-point season is very much within reach. He’s not a player who sees much time on the power play, yet he’s still flirting with a point-per-game pace. The 22-year-old forward is an excellent complement on an offensive line because he does the dirty work that other forwards may not necessarily do. Although he has some flaws in his decision-making under pressure and in his puck control, Cuylle frequently makes an impact thanks to the energy and effort he brings to every shift.
Commentaires