The World Championships are underway and Team Canada head coach Dean Evason has been turning his head towards New York Rangers forward Will Cuylle Whose physical game is being noticed.
His game has been brought to the World Championships after he received the 2024-25 Steve McDonald extra effort award just prior to the season coming to an end.
Cuylle has seen a reduced role with Team Canada
«We see the same thing, big, physical skates all around player,» Evason said of Cuylle. «It's unfortunate and or fortunate that we have 13 forwards, and some guys get not as much ice time as they normally get, so maybe don't get into the game, but we really like the way that he plays the game. His presence moving forward, his physicality, will be a big part of our success.» - Dean Evason
His usual playing time has not been the same since arriving with Team Canada as he has been relegated to the fourth line due to the fact this team has many stars who will get the lion's share of the ice time.
Even though he has a reduced role, he's not letting this get in the way that he is helping Team Canada by trying to win the tournament and adding this to his trophy case.
«I think I just want to come out here and play hard,» Cuylle said about his individual goals for the World Championship. «Obviously, I want to contribute in any way I can, whatever role I'm in, so that's where my head is at right now.»
Rangers looking to sing Cuylle long term
Cuylle is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the Stanley Cup finals where his entry level deal at $828,000 will come to an end.
Since he does not hold arbitration rights, the Rangers hold the negotiating power and will likely either sign him to a bridge deal of two years to see whether he can continue to build off his season.
There's also a possibility that another team may come along and offer an offer sheet for him but it's quite unlikely as the Rangers will attempt to sign him quickly and keep their youth intact as they will now become part of the core going forward according to general manager Chris Drury.
