This upcoming season is crucial for New York Rangers forward Will Cuylle.
Through his first two seasons in the NHL, Cuylle has made some significant strides and is quickly becoming one of New York’s most important players.
While he saw a 24-point increase from his first to second year in the NHL and took more of a two-way role over time, there’s still another gear that Cuylle can hit as a player.
With Chris Kreider no longer in New York, Cuylle should take on an increased responsibility and be asked to play a consistent top-six role.
Due to an increased workload, the 23-year-old forward will have the opportunity to truly break out and even transform into an All-Star caliber player, which is exciting to think about.
Between his size, skating abilities, and strong two-way game, the sky’s the limit for what Cuylle can accomplish.
We’ve seen Cuylle grow, and now the individual expectations have skyrocketed
This offseason, the Rangers and Cuylle could have come to terms on a long-term contract extension. Instead though, they agreed to a two-year, $7.8 million bridge deal.
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If Cuylle proves to the Rangers he can be a consistent top-six forward for the foreseeable future, he’ll garner a long-term contract extension worth even more money than originally anticipated.
The Rangers need Cuylle to step up, while Cuylle also has a lot riding on his performance, with his long-term financial future on the line.