William Cuylle Bio
William Cuylle is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a left winger for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Toronto, Ontario, on February 5, 2002, Cuylle was selected 60th overall by the New York Rangers in the second round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot-4 power forward began his professional career in 2021 and has steadily climbed the hockey ranks, establishing himself as a notable presence in junior hockey before earning a permanent spot in the NHL lineup.
Early Life and Background
William Cuylle grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. Standing tall even as a teenager, Cuylle possessed the physical attributes that would later define his playing style as a power forward. His upbringing in the Greater Toronto Area provided him with access to competitive minor hockey programs that helped shape his early development.
Cuylle attended Penn State University with the intention of playing college hockey before his junior career took a different trajectory. His academic plans shifted when an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) opportunity presented itself, leading him to pursue the path directly to professional hockey through the Canadian junior system.
Path to Professional Hockey
Cuylle entered the OHL draft in 2018 as the third overall pick, selected by the Peterborough Petes behind Quinton Byfield and Evan Vierling. Despite being a highly sought-after prospect, Cuylle did not feel Peterborough was the right fit for his development and initially committed to playing college hockey for Penn State University. When Peterborough traded his rights to the Windsor Spitfires in exchange for seven OHL draft picks, Cuylle changed course and decided to join Windsor instead.
In his first season with the Spitfires, Cuylle scored 26 goals and added 15 assists for 41 points, ranking fourth among 16-year-old players in the league. His impressive rookie campaign projections made him a likely first-round selection in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Although he experienced some goal-scoring struggles during the 2019-20 season, including multiple eight-game droughts, he finished with 22 goals and 20 assists for 42 points. NHL Central Scouting Bureau ultimately ranked him as the number 34 draft-eligible North American skater.
William Cuylle Career
Junior Career with Windsor Spitfires (2018–2022)
Cuylle established himself as a consistent offensive threat during his time with the Windsor Spitfires. After his first season demonstrated his goal-scoring ability, he continued to develop his all-around game. The 2021-22 season proved to be his breakout year as he was named team captain for the Spitfires, leading by example on and off the ice.
That season, Cuylle delivered a dominant performance, recording 43 goals and 37 assists in 59 games. His physical style combined with his scoring touch made him one of the most complete forwards in the OHL. As a result of his exceptional play, Cuylle earned recognition as the OHL’s Second Team All-Star left wing, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players.
Hartford Wolf Pack and NHL Debut (2021–2023)
When the OHL shut down for the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuylle seized the opportunity to play at a higher level. He appeared in 18 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the New York Rangers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, scoring two goals and three assists for five points. This exposure to professional hockey accelerated his development significantly.
On April 19, 2021, Cuylle signed his entry-level contract with the New York Rangers, officially beginning his professional hockey journey. He returned to Windsor to complete his junior career before fully committing to professional play. During the 2022-23 season, Cuylle began the year with the Hartford Wolf Pack and was named to the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic, further demonstrating his growth as a player.
The Rangers called Cuylle up to the NHL roster on January 24, 2023, after he recorded 13 goals and 7 assists in his first 39 games with Hartford. He made his NHL debut on January 25, 2023, in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in his hometown of Toronto, a memorable milestone for the young forward.
New York Rangers Era (2023–Present)
Cuylle made the Rangers’ opening-night roster for the 2023-24 season out of training camp, earning a permanent spot on the NHL roster. He scored his first NHL goal on October 14, 2023, during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a moment that marked his transition from prospect to regular NHL contributor. His physical presence and energy style of play quickly made him a fan favorite in New York.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Cuylle continued to establish himself as a reliable winger capable of contributing in various situations. His ability to bring energy, physicality, and occasional scoring touch gave the Rangers a valuable depth option. The Rangers recalled him multiple times during the 2022-23 season after initially returning him to Hartford following brief call-ups, ultimately keeping him with the big club as the season progressed.
Driving Style and Strengths
Cuylle plays the game as a classic power forward, modeling his style after established NHL forwards such as Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals, Matthew Tkachuk, and Jamie Benn. His game revolves around using his size and strength to dominate play along the boards, win battles in front of the net, and create scoring chances through physicality. Former Windsor Spitfires coach Trevor Letowski described him as a high-energy, physical player who can move up and down the ice effectively for a big man while also possessing the ability to score. His shot has been noted as particularly heavy and quick, allowing him to find success even with imperfect opportunities. NHL scouts have praised his ability to own corners, battle for net-front position, and use his size intelligently. Rangers coach Peter Laviolette compared Cuylle’s traits to Wilson’s, noting his skating ability, physical play, fighting capability, hockey sense, and hands for scoring goals.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cuylle’s career has been marked by several significant milestones. His NHL debut in Toronto against the Maple Leafs represented a special moment playing in front of hometown fans. Being named team captain of the Windsor Spitfires demonstrated his leadership qualities at a young age. His selection to the AHL All-Star Classic highlighted his rapid progression through the professional ranks. His first NHL goal against Columbus was a crucial step in his development, and his first career hat-trick came on April 5, 2026, when he scored three goals in an 8-1 victory over the Washington Capitals. International play has also been part of his career, as he represented Canada at the 2022 World Junior Championships, recording two assists in two games before the tournament was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
William Cuylle Career Wins
Cuylle has accumulated notable achievements across his junior and professional career, including championship-level performances in the Ontario Hockey League and recognition as one of the top players in his age group during his minor hockey years.
Junior Hockey Highlights
During his OHL career with the Windsor Spitfires, Cuylle established himself as a prolific scorer and physical presence. His 43-goal, 80-point season in 2021-22 stands as his most productive junior campaign. His selection to the OHL Second Team All-Star as a left wing represented the highest honor for forwards in the league that season. Cuylle’s consistent point production across three OHL seasons demonstrated his ability to be an impact player at the junior level.
Professional Achievements
At the professional level, Cuylle earned a roster spot with the New York Rangers through strong training camp performances. His NHL career continues to develop as he gains more experience at the highest level of hockey. His appearance in the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic recognized his strong play with the Hartford Wolf Pack prior to his permanent NHL call-up. Cuylle’s most recent milestone came with his first career hat-trick in the NHL during the 2025-26 season.
William Cuylle Family
Family Background
Public information regarding William Cuylle’s family background, including his parents and any family connections to professional hockey, is not extensively documented in available sources. As a Toronto native, Cuylle grew up within Ontario’s hockey development system, which has produced numerous professional players.
Personal Life
Cuylle maintains a public presence on social media platforms, where he shares updates about his hockey career. He currently focuses on his professional hockey career with the New York Rangers. Beyond hockey, details about his personal interests, relationships, or off-ice activities remain private.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season marked another step in Cuylle’s development as an NHL player. Continuing to build on his previous seasons with the Rangers, he worked to solidify his role within the team’s forward rotation. His physical style of play and energy made him a valuable contributor on a nightly basis, while his scoring touch provided the team with secondary offense.
Internationally, Cuylle received his first senior national team call-up for Canada at the 2025 World Championship. He recorded two goals and two assists in eight games during the tournament, gaining valuable experience representing his country at the highest international level outside of the Olympic Games. This opportunity showcased his continued growth as a complete two-way forward capable of contributing in all situations.
Looking ahead, Cuylle appears positioned to continue his progression with the New York Rangers organization. His combination of size, skill, and physicality gives him the tools to become a reliable NHL contributor for years to come. The Rangers have invested in his development since selecting him in the second round of the 2020 draft, and his continued growth benefits both his individual career and the team’s competitive aspirations.