The Recent York Rangers have locked in one in all their breakout young forwards by inking restricted free agent Will Cuylle to a two-year extension value $7.8 million, with a $3.9 million cap hit each season. The signing marks a priority player retained by the Blueshirts and cements their drive to take a position in a rising core.
The 23-year-old left wing delivered a career-best 45 points in 82 games last season, including 20 goals and 25 assists. He logged quarter-hour and 5 seconds of ice time per game and maintained a plus-12 rating. The consistent presence paid dividends as he led the team in hits, recorded 50 blocked shots, and even chipped in two shorthanded goals.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 212 kilos, Cuylle provides a robust physical dynamic. His two-way game includes strong defensive positioning, board play, and net-front presence. He ranked amongst league leaders in hits last season during his sophomore 12 months of NHL motion.
Rangers fans rewarded his attitude and energy with the Steven McDonald Extra Effort award, an honor voted by fans and reserved for the player who goes above and beyond. That recognition underscores his impact beyond raw numbers.
Cuylle’s development from 21 points during his rookie campaign to 45 this past season reflects a jump that paid off materially. His shot volume jumped from 119 to 152, while his average ice time grew from 11 minutes to over quarter-hour per night.
Closing that gap on production, physicality and speed shows why Recent York prioritized him when restricted free agency opened. Reports suggested the Rangers feared he could attract offer sheets from rival teams. This deal each secures his rights and sends a message that they intend to construct around players who earn their likelihood.
General manager Chris Drury stays cautious with the cap but sees Cuylle’s value outweighing that investment. After heavy spending on veterans focused on playoff contention, the team needs internal growth from younger players. Cuylle brings energy, opportunity, and value control, a rare combination.
On the ice, Cuylle provides that middle-six toughness and scoring depth the Rangers lacked. Behind stars like Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, he offers a balance of grit and skill. His consistent performance means less dependence on expensive veterans or trade pickups.
With two years of term, the Rangers preserve future flexibility. If he keeps trending up, they will explore a longer-term contract at a later date. If not, they avoid a cap crisis tied to overpaying. A $3.9 million AAV buys each upside and stability for now.
Cuylle arrives at training camp secure in his role and with confidence rising. Expect him to take a key third-line spot, possibly even challenge for second-line minutes, and carry on delivering impact across all situations. His style matches the coach and staff’s plans to solidify a balanced roster across depth lines.
This extension signals a shift within the Rangers’ strategy. The organization desires to prioritize young talent who earns their keep. Cuylle checks every box along with his physicality, production, regional appeal, and defensive responsibility. With this signing, the franchise shows it values consistency and culture as much as skill.
Now Cuylle gets to construct on last season’s accomplishments. One other 20-goal campaign feels achievable. If he continues his trajectory, the Rangers could unlock a next level of performance without overcommitting financially.