Will Cuylle only appeared in four games last season for the New York Rangers and faced inconsistent ice time. Overall not much was done, 0 points and only a lone shot on goal with his line marking a -2 for +/- in that span.
What Cuylle did in the AHL last season is a completely different story.
Through 69 games the winger was second on the team in scoring with 45 points. Leading the team in goals with 45, Cuylle ensured that he would have a positive +/-, he was +10.
The 21-year-old out of Toronto, definitely turned heads and it was only his first full-season in the AHL. New York has a lot of young talent both already in the NHL and in the minors / development leagues.
Cuylle didn’t play like a rookie, he rarely made mistakes and overall was very mature on the ice. He will most likely once again carry the bulk of 2023/24 in the AHL, while being third or fourth line at times in the NHL.
The mutual biggest factor now between Cuylle and New York is NHL in-game development. Inconsistent playing time will be hard for any player to adapt to their surroundings, while also posting stats that reflect inconsistent playing time. The lefty has NHL talent and could be a solid second line option on any team, it is just a matter now of how New York will give him opportunities to showcase his talent on the biggest stage.