Rangers’ Will Cuylle blunt take: Winter Classic ice: ‘pretty bad … slow’
There’s a good chance the NHL won’t seek Will Cuylle out as a spokesperson anytime soon after the New York Rangers forward provided a too-honest take about the ice conditions at loanDepot Park in Miami ahead of the 2026 Winter Classic.
“The ice was pretty bad and pretty slow,” Cuylle said Thursday during a rinkside interview on NHL Network.
The TV hosts, including former Rangers center Brian Boyle, were clearly a bit taken aback by Cuylle’s blunt answer. Especially considering how nearly everyone involved in these outdoor games — from coaches to players and commentators — go out of their way to praise all aspects of the event, particularly ice conditions.
In fact, Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said he was “pleasantly surprised” with the quality of the ice in the warmer Miami climate.
The NHL Network crew pointed out to Cuylle that the Florida Panthers raved about the ice conditions following their practice, which preceded New York’s.
To which the 23-year-old forward, shot back, “[The Panthers] probably chewed it up, they had like 200 people on the ice. So, a little slow for us.”
The quip about all the people on the ice referred to the family skate that took place after Panthers practice. The Rangers had the same opportunity after their up-tempo practice.
After conceding “tomorrow it should be alright,” Cuylle had to add, “Can’t feel much slower than today.”
Pivoting to a more lighthearted topic, Boyle asked the Rangers forward how much Winter Classic “swag” he’s been able to get. Cuylle alluded to that it’s not as much as the amount of goodies the players received at the 2024 Stadium Series, when the Rangers defeated the Islanders 6-5 in overtime at MetLife Stadium.
Cuylle delivered this parting shot about swag: “It goes quick. Every family member takes and there’s one left for me at the end of the day.”
This kid is a beauty. Just don’t expect the League to agree.
