Will Cuylle leads Rangers’ third line to strong start
It’s been a hot start for the New York Rangers’ third line, with left wing Will Cuylle quietly leading the charge. The 22-year-old has started the season at a point-per-game pace, as well as leading the team with a plus-4 rating.
Granted, the Rangers have played just three games, but Cuylle’s play has been impressive, given that much of the focus on the team’s bottom-six forwards has been on Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil.
Kakko and Chytil were important storylines coming into the 2024-25 season. Kakko was looking to bounce back from injury and lack of point production, and Chytil was recovering from a concussion that caused him to miss most of last season.
Cuylle, the other member of the third line, hadn’t garnered as much expectation or anticipation. But flying under the radar has seemed to suit him.
He amassed 21 points in 81 games in his rookie season and often displayed his physicality, leading all NHL rookies with 247 hits. The Rangers’ bottom six gained attention with the introduction of Matt Rempe and Chytil’s injury concerns, among other storylines, meaning that Cuylle’s quiet consistency often went unnoticed.
In the 2024-25 season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Cuylle had a goal called back after the play was deemed offside in the first period. He contributed an assist in the second period of the 6-0 win.
In the home opener against the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday, Cuylle scored the game-tying goal in the third period to send the teams into overtime, though Utah won 6-5. Game 3 against the Detroit Red Wings showcased Cuylle’s physicality and tenacity. He registered five hits, blocked a shot, and generated three shots on goal.
It’s a small sample size, but Cuylle is showing he can be an important part of the bottom six. He’s shown resilience in sticking with plays, hasn’t shied away from making big hits and has controlled the puck well with his solid skating ability.
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After last season’s lack of overall production from the bottom six, it’s been encouraging to see players like Cuylle developing their game.
Coach Peter Laviolette acknowledged that this season presents an opportunity for Cuylle to establish his role and take the next step in his game development, “I think Will’s next step, we’re looking to see that,” he said. “I don’t think he’s really disappointed with that so far, and so, that line has become a good line.”
Cuylle and his linemates, Kakko and Chytil, have started off strong, leading the team in many offensive stats, including producing 29 shots and 12 high-danger chances, according to Natural Stat Trick.
A struggle for the Rangers last season was getting scoring production past the top-six forwards. The theme from the first few games of this season has been offense coming from unlikely places. Everyone from defensemen to bottom-six forwards seem determined to generate quality opportunities to score. With this season already featuring a goalie goal from Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson, maybe even Igor Shesterkin will find his way onto the score sheet.
For now, the Rangers are happy to be getting contributions from Cuylle, who’s seizing the opportunity to grow into a regular role.
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