New Head Coach Appointment
By Jared Clinton, Features Writer
The New York Rangers have recently made headlines by appointing Mike Sullivan as their new head coach, shortly after his exit from the Pittsburgh Penguins. This move is perceived by many as a significant shift aimed at revamping the team’s ethos in pursuit of a Stanley Cup. The appointment signifies a belief in Sullivan’s proven track record, with two Stanley Cup wins to his name, while also reflecting a collective need for change following a lackluster previous season.
Young Talent and Leadership
Young player Will Cuylle, having experienced a notable growth in his performance last season, recognizes the potential this change brings. After achieving a personal milestone—his first 20-goal season and a total of 45 points—Cuylle views Sullivan as a catalyst for his ambitions. As the Rangers transition under a new coach, Cuylle sees an opportunity for both growth and to help fill the leadership void left by the departure of long-time Ranger Chris Kreider, traded to the Anaheim Ducks this summer.
“With some older players leaving, there are clear spots that need to be filled,” Cuylle noted. “It’s time for someone to step up and take over those responsibilities.”
Cuylle’s strong positioning and playing style lend themselves well to picking up Kreider’s substantial role. The two players share a similar physical style and a willingness to battle for control around the net, crucial for a team aiming for a high-performing power play. Last season, Cuylle thrived near the goal, with 60 of his 152 shots originating from high-pressure areas, netting 14 goals from close range.
Expectations and Performance
What stands out is Cuylle’s previous limited minutes on special teams—he logged significantly fewer power-play opportunities compared to Kreider. However, given his impressive statistics and performance at even strength—ranking him among the top players in point production during five-on-five play—there’s good reason to believe he will excel with increased ice time and responsibilities on the power play moving forward.
After demonstrating his offensive capabilities on a wider scale, including his recent achievements at the World Championship where he scored four points in just eight appearances, expectations for Cuylle are cautiously optimistic. Still, it’s understood that moving into a top-six role will present tougher opposition and increased pressure.
Commitment to Improvement
Beyond scoring, Cuylle’s great asset lies in his relentless forechecking and physical play, evidenced by his leading total of 301 hits last season, ranking him among the elite in the league. He aspires to continue improving his game incrementally, focusing on being a well-rounded player.
“I want to build on my performance from last year, enhancing my overall game, working hard, and supporting the team wholeheartedly,” Cuylle explained.
Conclusion
This feature is an excerpt from a larger piece published in The Hockey News‘ Goalie Issue 2025, which also profiles notable NHL goaltenders, discusses the future of goaltending, and explores various insights into the league. For those interested in more hockey content, a complimentary subscription to The Hockey News can be acquired at THN.com/Free, including access to decades of articles.
