The loss of Chris Kreider could certainly be significant for the New York Rangers, but there’s one player who’s poised to take over his role.
Over his first two seasons in the NHL, Will Cuylle has shown flashes of promise and clear signs of improvement.
Cuylle brings the whole package that you want out of a forward. He’s skilled offensively with the ability to score, plays a physical brand of hockey, and is responsible from a defensive standpoint.
From his first to second season in New York, Cuylle transformed into a reliable two-way player who’s just as impactful at both ends of the ice.
Now with Kreider out of the picture, Cuylle has the opportunity to fill his shoes and take on an increased workload.
Mike Sullivan seems to have big plans for Cuylle and feels that he’s more than capable of filling the void that Kreider left.
“His power game, his ability to go to the net, his physical edge that he brings to the line that he's on is impressive," Sullivan said via NHL.com. “He's a different player than 'Kreids,' so I don't know it's going to be an identical role, but it'll be similar.”
Legendary Rangers broadcaster Sam Rosen strongly believes that Cuylle has the capabilities to take a big jump this upcoming season.
“It opens the door for Will Cuylle to be the next Chris Kreider,” Rosen said of what the Kreider trade does for Cuylle. “Cuylle has all the tools necessary to be a big star in this league. He’s physical, unafraid, battles in the corners, battles in front, goal scoring increased from first year to second year. He could be a 30-goal scorer.”
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This past season, the 23-year-old forward recorded 20 goals, 25 assists, and 45 points in 82 games while averaging 15:05 minutes per game.
During the offseason, Cuylle signed a two-year, $7.8 million contract extension with the Rangers.
Going into the 2025-26 campaign, Cuylle has a lot on the line, as he’s still looking to secure a long-term contract extension from the Blueshirts.
If Sullivan and Rosen are right in their assessments of Cuylle, he should have no problem getting a long-term commitment and becoming a perennial top-six forward in New York.