“That’s my goal” – New York Rangers prospect Will Cuylle set to capitalize on opportunities in NHL journey

“That’s my goal” – New York Rangers prospect Will Cuylle set to capitalize on opportunities in NHL journey

Will Cuylle

Young Canadian ice hockey left winger Will Cuylle must have gained a decent amount of knowledge by playing three months of professional hockey in 2021 in junior hockey last season.

The New York Rangers prospect is now hoping the experience of the past two seasons, with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2020-21 and as captain of the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) last season, will be enough to carry him into the National Hockey League (NHL) this season.

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“I want to play on the Rangers,” the 20-year-old forward said during New York’s development camp in July, as quoted by NHL.com. “That’s my goal. That was my goal last year. This year is another opportunity to make the team. I’m definitely looking to make the team.”

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“It was a big jump, lots of speed,” Cuylle said of the AHL. “It was a quick time, only three months, so lots of learning and it was a big learning curve. Going back to junior year, it was just a year to build confidence and sort of fine tune my skills and get prepared for this year.”

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“We’ll see how Will does at camp” 

Will Cuylle
Will Cuylle

The No. 60 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Cuylle has a good chance to be with the Rangers on opening night (October 11) against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden. The Toronto native Cuylle, who had 80 points (43 goals, 37 assists) in 59 games last season, can showcase himself as an effective bottom-six forward in the NHL.

“I think so, I hope so,” Rangers director of player development Jed Ortmeyer said when asked if the youngster is capable of playing a third- or fourth-line role. “Obviously, he played a little bit in Hartford and they were able to move him up and down the lineup there. Now he knows what it’s like and what to look forward to. We’ll see how he does at camp.”

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