What to Expect from New York's Rising Power Forward
With an interesting season coming up for the New York Rangers, fans question whether this roster can make anything happen. After the disaster that was last season, plenty believe it’s time to retool, and plenty more believe the playoffs are still possible. Regardless of what this team can do, these players need to be better, some more than others. A few Blueshirts last season failed to please most fans, but a few more pleased most fans very much. Most fans remember the positives from players like Sam Carrick and Artemi Panarin, but a certain New York Ranger stepped up. As most of the New York Rangers found it quite difficult to watch, Will Cuylle looked to be one of the only Blueshirts who cared. With how great last season was for Cuylle, what could fans expect from this power forward next season?
The young enforcer made his debut in 2022-23, but his true story began just the next season, playing in almost every game of the season. Cuylle made it clear right off the bat that he’s one to get physical, while also proving he can produce as well. Finishing off his rookie season with 13 goals and eight assists, fans expected good things to come from this youngster. After a little taste of the postseason, Cuylle soon made it clear that this is someone the Rangers need. Starting last year, his line with Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko was lethal, before disaster struck, of course. As disastrous as last season was, the 23-year-old was one of the only Blueshirts who played like he cared, earning himself 20 goals, two being shorthanded, and 25 assists, all while not missing a single game. Such an increase in responsibility and ice time last season gives plenty of faith that he’s only just beginning, so what will happen next season?
As the Blueshirts begin a new chapter under their new head coach, there’s no doubt Cuylle will still be trusted in most situations. With his time on the second power play unit and his time on the penalty kill, he’ll continue to make such great contributions. The power forward has even proved, through those slumps, that his effort will never go unnoticed as he continues to score. He may have his moments of rushing the net, but number 50 has shown great skill and finesse to be considered a threat in the future. With Cuylle proving he can handle his business, these next two years with him will do nothing but make him bigger and stronger. An elevated level of physicality combined with some skill, he looks to be a perfect piece for when the Blueshirts return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Preseason is only weeks away, and as there’s no telling how this season will go for New York, fans are relieved to know Will Cuylle may just play a significant role for this team's future.
