Will Cuylle Bio
William Cuylle, born February 5, 2002, is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a left winger for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 60th overall by the Rangers in the second round of the 2020 NHL entry draft, Cuylle has progressed steadily through junior and minor-league development before establishing himself at the NHL level. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 209 pounds, he brings a power-forward presence to the Rangers’ forward group.
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Cuylle began his competitive hockey journey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and was widely viewed as a top prospect before turning professional. After stints with the Windsor Spitfires and the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League (AHL), he earned a full-time role with the Rangers and quickly became a regular contributor in the team’s bottom-six forward unit.
Early Life and Background
William Cuylle was born on February 5, 2002, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Growing up in one of Canada’s most passionate hockey markets, he was exposed to the sport at a young age and progressed through local youth hockey before catching the attention of major-junior scouts. His size and physical tools were noticeable even in his teenage years, helping him stand out as a prospect.
Cuylle developed a reputation as a hard-working, competitive forward during his minor-hockey years in the Greater Toronto Area. His combination of size, skating ability, and offensive upside made him a top-tier draft-eligible player in his age group. By the time he was selected in the 2018 OHL draft, he had already established himself as one of the most promising young players in his region.
Path to Hockey
Cuylle was selected third overall in the 2018 OHL draft by the Peterborough Petes, picked behind Quinton Byfield and Evan Vierling and just ahead of Jamie Drysdale. After some time with Peterborough’s organization, his rights were traded to the Windsor Spitfires, and Cuylle ultimately decided to begin his major-junior career in Windsor. In his first OHL season, he scored 26 goals and 15 assists for 41 points, finishing fourth in the league in goals among 16-year-old players.
After his strong rookie season, Cuylle was projected by many analysts as a potential first-round pick in the 2020 NHL entry draft. His 2019–20 season was less consistent, with several long stretches without finding the back of the net, but he still finished with 22 goals and 20 assists for 42 points. NHL Central Scouting ranked him 34th among North American skaters by season’s end, and the New York Rangers selected him 60th overall in the second round of the 2020 draft.
Will Cuylle Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
With the OHL shut down for the 2020–21 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuylle joined the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he played 18 games and recorded two goals and three assists for five points. On April 19, 2021, he signed an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers, officially beginning his professional career.
Returning to junior hockey in 2021–22, Cuylle was named captain of the Windsor Spitfires. He delivered a breakout offensive season, scoring 43 goals and 37 assists in 59 games, and was recognized as a Second Team All-Star left winger in the OHL. His leadership and production helped solidify his standing as one of the top young prospects in the Rangers’ system.
Hartford Wolf Pack and NHL Debut (2022–24)
Cuylle began the 2022–23 season with the Hartford Wolf Pack and was named to the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic. After recording 13 goals and seven assists in his first 39 games, the Rangers recalled him on January 24, 2023. He made his NHL debut the following night against the Toronto Maple Leafs in his hometown, a milestone moment in his young career.
After a brief return to Hartford, Cuylle earned another recall following the NHL All-Star break and appeared in additional games before being reassigned. He made the Rangers’ opening-night roster in 2023–24 and scored his first NHL goal on October 14, 2023, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, officially announcing his arrival as a full-time NHL player.
New York Rangers Era (2023–Present)
Cuylle’s first full NHL season with the Rangers allowed him to demonstrate the physical, hard-driving style that had defined his development. He earned a regular role on the team’s checking lines while contributing offensively and playing with an edge that earned him praise from coaches and teammates. His blend of size, speed, and willingness to play in difficult areas made him a valuable bottom-six contributor.
As he continued to gain experience at the NHL level, Cuylle became known for his straight-line approach, heavy shot, and physical presence. Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette compared his traits to those of Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson, highlighting Cuylle’s skating, hitting, and emerging scoring touch. By the end of his first extended NHL stint, he had cemented his place within the Rangers’ long-term plans.
Driving Style and Strengths
Cuylle is widely described as a power forward who uses his 6-foot-4 frame to win battles along the boards and create offense from the cycle game. Former Windsor coach Trevor Letowski praised his ability to find quiet pockets in the offensive zone and noted that his shot is heavy and quick, allowing him to beat goaltenders even when his release is not perfect. He skates well for a player his size and brings a high-energy, physical style to every shift.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments of Cuylle’s career came on January 25, 2023, when he made his NHL debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs in his hometown. He also recorded his first NHL goal on October 14, 2023, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a milestone he had been building toward since signing his entry-level deal in 2021. His selection to the AHL All-Star Classic in 2022–23 further highlighted his rapid development.
Will Cuylle Career Wins
While Will Cuylle is still in the early stages of his NHL career, he has collected several notable individual honors and team accomplishments since being drafted. His progression from a third overall OHL pick to a full-time NHL player reflects a series of developmental milestones, including an OHL captaincy, AHL All-Star recognition, and an NHL debut on home ice.
OHL and AHL Highlights
During his time with the Windsor Spitfires, Cuylle was named team captain and earned OHL Second Team All-Star honors after a 43-goal season in 2021–22. He followed that with an AHL All-Star Classic selection in 2022–23 while playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack, posting 13 goals and seven assists in his first 39 games of that season. These accomplishments marked him as one of the top young forwards in the Rangers’ organization.
Other Performances
Cuylle represented Canada at the 2022 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, recording two assists in two games before the tournament was halted due to COVID-19. He was later selected to Canada’s team for the 2025 Men’s Ice Hockey World Championships, where he recorded two goals and two assists in eight games, further demonstrating his value on the international stage.
Will Cuylle Family
Family Background and Hockey Roots
William Cuylle grew up in a hockey-driven environment in Toronto, Ontario, the son of a family that supported his athletic development from a young age. His progression through the Ontario Hockey League and into the NHL reflects the strong youth-hockey infrastructure of the Greater Toronto Area. While specific details about his parents and siblings are not widely documented, his hometown roots remain an important part of his story.
Personal Life
Cuylle maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares updates about his hockey career and personal interests. As a young professional athlete, he has focused much of his energy on his development with the New York Rangers and continues to live a life centered around the sport. He has kept much of his personal and family life private as he builds his career in the NHL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks another important step in Will Cuylle’s development with the New York Rangers. Building on the progress he made during his first full NHL campaign, Cuylle has continued to refine his two-way game and establish himself as a reliable contributor in the Rangers’ forward group. His physical style and growing offensive confidence have made him a trusted option in the team’s lineup.
Cuylle’s international experience at the 2025 Men’s Ice Hockey World Championships, where he recorded two goals and two assists in eight games for Team Canada, provided additional momentum heading into the NHL season. That tournament success reinforced his growing reputation as a power forward capable of producing in high-level competition. His combination of size, speed, and finish has translated well against top international competition.
Looking ahead, Cuylle remains a key piece of the Rangers’ long-term plans and is expected to take on an expanded role as he continues to mature. With a full NHL season under his belt and valuable international experience behind him, he enters the remainder of 2025 with an opportunity to further establish himself as a core member of the franchise.