After a breakout 2024–25 season, New York Rangers forward Will Cuylle has experienced a noticeable regression in his third NHL campaign, prompting questions about his role in the team’s retooling process. Last year, Cuylle’s energy, physicality, and career-best offensive output made him a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season. He even earned the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, solidifying his reputation as a potential cornerstone for the franchise.
This season, however, Cuylle’s production has dropped significantly. Through 59 games, he has totaled 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points, down from 45 points a year ago. With the Rangers in the midst of a post-“Letter 2.0” rebuild, general manager Chris Drury is evaluating which players fit the long-term vision. Once considered a foundational piece, Cuylle now risks being classified as a trade candidate.
Cuylle’s first season under new head coach Mike Sullivan offered him an expanded role, including top-six minutes and more favorable linemates. With ice time averaging 17:11 per game over two minutes more than last season the expectation was that he would build on his prior success and approach a 30-goal pace. Instead, his performance has faltered, with only five points in his last 17 games, underscoring the urgency for him to prove his value.
Financially, Cuylle carries a $3.9 million cap hit through next season and will be 25 when approaching unrestricted free agency. In a team carefully calculating every roster spot, failure to meet expectations could mean he no longer aligns with the Rangers’ timeline for competitiveness.
Despite the regression, Cuylle remains appealing to other teams due to his size, physicality, and gritty style of play. Comparisons to players like Artturi Lehkonen suggest that a change of scenery could unlock his full potential. His manageable contract and past performance make him a potentially valuable trade asset for Drury, offering the Rangers a chance to secure meaningful pieces for their rebuild while giving Cuylle a fresh start to maximize his upside.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Rangers will soon reveal whether Cuylle remains part of their long-term plans or becomes a key asset in reshaping the roster. If he stays, every shift this season will be a proving ground for his future with New York.
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