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The New York Rangers need to ensure they have enough salary cap space set aside to sign RFA Will Cuylle. Before they announce the signing of any other free agents, they need to sign Cuylle first.
But it seems the team has their priorities out of whack, as Will Cuylle should’ve been extended first.
Cuylle has been one of the Rangers’ most important forwards during the 2024-2025 season. In a sea of disappointment, he’s been a dominant forward on the ice and improved his production significantly.
In 82 games this season, he scored 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists).
This year, he more than doubled his production, which in 2023-2024 he only put up 21 points (13 goals, 8 assists) in 81 games.
His efforts in 2024-2025 put his name on the radar for a prestigious award, as fans selected him to win the Steven McDonald Award. The 2025 Steve McDonald Award was given to him after the team’s 5-4 OT win over the Minnesota Wild to Cuylle.
“It was pretty cool. Obviously, it’s a huge honor. Such a long-standing tradition, and to see the other names that have won the award, it’s pretty cool to be listed with some of those names.”
Cuylle has proven himself to be a capable playmaker, a physical force, and a goal-scoring threat, tallying 20 goals this season.
Cuylle’s $2.48 million contract will expire at the end of the year, and he’ll be an RFA under the control of the Rangers.
In order to stave off other NHL teams from gving Cuylle an offer sheet, they should’ve put him first in extension talks, rather than Parssinen.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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GM Chris Drury and the New York Rangers encouraged to secure top RFA before it’s too late
Should GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers have extended forward Will Cuylle instead of center Juuso Parssinen?