Will Cuylle Is Transforming Into Defensive Monster As His Role Changes

Will Cuylle is beginning to play a different role for the New York Rangers.

To start the season, Cuylle’s offensive game was notable as he seemed to have improved in that department from his rookie campaign.

He’s already scored 13 goals in 47 games, which is the same amount as he had the entirety of last season. Most of his goals also came before December.

Recently though, the Rangers have been winning, but Cuylle hasn’t contributed much from an offensive standpoint.

However, Cuylle is transforming into a two-way forward before our very eyes and it’s been impressive to watch.

For the last handful of games, the 22-year-old forward has played on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Reilly Smith.

Alongside these two players, Cuylle shifted his focus from offense to defense.

“I think every game we are getting a little bit better,” Cuylle said about his line with Zibanejad and Smith. “I like playing with them. It has been more of a defensive role, playing against other teams top lines for the most part. I like the challenge . A little bit more ice time, so good for me personally.”

There is a lot of pressure that comes with playing against the opposition’s top line. It’s something that Cuylle continues to get adjusted to.

“You kind of gotta know who you are on the ice against,” Cuylle said. “Obviously other team’s top lines have fast players. You gotta try to limit the turnovers, Just little things like that.”

Cuylle sat in meetings during his rookie season discussing the penalty kill and he’s taken a prominent shorthanded role throughout this year.

Given all of Cuylle’s talent, the sky’s the limit for what he can accomplish now that he’s transformed into a legitimate defensive threat.