The New York Rangers have officially secured one of their most promising young talents, announcing that forward Will Cuylle has agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension. The deal marks a significant moment for both the player and the franchise, as the Rangers continue to invest in their youthful core while striving for consistency and championship aspirations. Cuylle’s re-signing comes at a time when his role within the organization has rapidly expanded, making him a key piece in the team’s future plans.
Selected 60th overall in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Cuylle has shown steady development through each stage of his career, transitioning from junior hockey standout to a confident NHL contributor. His grit, physicality, and scoring ability have earned him a growing reputation as one of the league’s most promising power forwards under the age of 25. In the 2023-24 season, Cuylle took a major leap, suiting up in 81 games for the Rangers and recording 13 goals and 9 assists for 22 points. While those numbers may not leap off the stat sheet, it was his intangible qualities—work ethic, physical presence, and a relentless forecheck—that made him invaluable to head coach Peter Laviolette’s lineup.
The two-year extension is viewed as a team-friendly deal that provides the Rangers with cost certainty while rewarding Cuylle for his upward trajectory. For Cuylle, the contract provides stability and affirmation that he is a vital part of New York’s long-term picture. It is also a testament to the front office’s belief in his potential to elevate his game even further in the coming seasons. Cuylle has made it clear he’s ready to rise to the challenge, and with this extension in place, both he and the organization can focus solely on building toward a championship.
Cuylle’s journey to this point has been anything but linear. After being drafted by the Rangers, he returned to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he served as captain of the Windsor Spitfires and posted dominant numbers in his final junior season. His leadership qualities, combined with his on-ice performance, made him a standout prospect within the Rangers’ pipeline. He then transitioned to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, where he spent time sharpening his two-way game and acclimating to the speed and physicality of the professional level.
What sets Cuylle apart is his rare combination of size and skating ability. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing over 210 pounds, he plays a rugged, north-south style of hockey that fits perfectly within the identity the Rangers are trying to build. He’s not afraid to throw big hits, drop the gloves when necessary, and go to the hard areas of the ice—traits that have become increasingly rare in the modern NHL but remain incredibly valuable come playoff time. During the Rangers’ recent postseason run, Cuylle’s presence was felt in key moments, especially in tight-checking, low-scoring games where physicality and tenacity often tip the scales.
Management’s decision to extend Cuylle now, rather than wait until closer to his restricted free agency window, sends a clear message: the Rangers are not just looking to retain top-end stars like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox; they are also deeply invested in the depth pieces that drive success in the long grind of the NHL season. Inking Cuylle to a two-year extension reflects a broader organizational philosophy that emphasizes roster balance, internal development, and maintaining a competitive window without sacrificing cap flexibility.
Cuylle’s new deal also helps set the tone for other young Rangers looking to establish themselves within the lineup. Players like Brennan Othmann, Matthew Rempe, and Zac Jones are watching closely as Cuylle carves a path from prospect to everyday contributor. His development and eventual contract extension serve as a roadmap and a motivational benchmark for those aiming to make the same leap. This type of internal competition only strengthens the team’s core, ensuring that no roster spot is taken for granted and that the team’s bottom-six forwards continue to push the pace.
In a league where cap management is a constant puzzle, the Rangers’ ability to lock up a player like Cuylle on a reasonable deal could prove to be a savvy move. While financial terms of the contract have not been publicly disclosed as of this writing, comparable players at Cuylle’s stage of development typically land in the range of \$1 to \$1.5 million per year. Given his age, trajectory, and ability to play up and down the lineup, this contract could become a bargain, particularly if he builds on his offensive totals and carves out a bigger special teams role.
Beyond the numbers and cap implications, however, there’s a human element to Cuylle’s extension that shouldn’t be overlooked. He has become a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden, not just because of his hard-nosed style but because of the visible passion he brings to the ice every night. Whether it’s finishing a check, sparking energy with a key shift, or defending a teammate, Cuylle embodies the kind of blue-collar ethos that New York fans admire. His extension ensures that kind of heart-and-soul presence will remain in the lineup for the foreseeable future.
Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury, a former NHL captain himself, has made clear through his roster moves that character and compete level are non-negotiable traits for anyone wearing the Blueshirt. Cuylle fits that mold perfectly, and it’s no surprise that Drury moved quickly to lock him up. In comments released following the announcement, Drury praised Cuylle’s growth and commitment to the team, noting that the forward “represents everything we’re building here in New York—tough, accountable, and driven to win.”
Looking ahead, the extension opens up new possibilities for Cuylle’s role next season. With several roster spots in flux and potential changes looming depending on free agency and trade outcomes, Cuylle could see increased minutes, especially in situations requiring grit and defensive reliability. Laviolette has already shown trust in deploying him in late-game scenarios and tough matchups, and that trust is likely to grow with more experience.
It also wouldn’t be surprising to see Cuylle spend more time alongside skilled forwards who can benefit from his space-creating physicality. If he can continue to improve his puck-handling and shooting accuracy, there’s no reason he can’t evolve into a consistent 15-20 goal scorer with upside for more. Additionally, his ability to kill penalties and win board battles gives him a versatile toolkit that coaches love in both regular season and postseason action.
For Cuylle himself, this extension is the reward for years of dedication, patience, and self-belief. Few players make the leap from second-round pick to everyday NHLer so seamlessly, and even fewer earn a contract extension just one full season into their career. It speaks volumes about his character and the respect he commands inside the locker room. Cuylle has often credited mentors and teammates for helping him transition to the big stage, but the work ethic and maturity he brings are all his own.
In an ever-competitive Eastern Conference, where every team is seeking the perfect blend of youth and experience, Cuylle gives the Rangers a reliable bridge between both. He’s young enough to grow with the team’s next generation but seasoned enough to understand the pressure and expectations that come with wearing one of the NHL’s most iconic jerseys. The fact that he has already embraced that pressure—and thrived in it—bodes well for his long-term outlook.
As the dust settles on this announcement, Rangers fans have every reason to be excited. Will Cuylle’s two-year extension is more than just a business transaction; it’s a statement of intent. It says the Rangers believe in their young core, believe in the team-first mentality Cuylle represents, and believe that the path to contention includes players who may not always get the headlines but who absolutely define what it means to compete every night.
The next chapter for Cuylle begins now, and it’s one filled with opportunity, responsibility, and the promise of more memorable moments under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. Whether it’s a big hit, a clutch goal, or a gritty shift that swings momentum, fans can expect Will Cuylle to deliver the kind of hockey that wins games—and, just maybe, banners.
