Rangers’ Will Cuylle Set to Join Kreider and Zibanejad on First Line
In the upcoming game against the St. Louis Blues, 21-year-old Will Cuylle is expected to join Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad on the first line, becoming the 14th player to do so since Pavel Buchnevich’s departure in the 2020-21 season.
Over the past three seasons under coach David Quinn, Kreider and Zibanejad have had a rotating cast of 20 different linemates, including notable players like Alexis Lafreniere, Kaapo Kakko, Artemi Panarin, and Jimmy Vesey.
Kreider acknowledged that playing with him might be challenging, but he believes that he and Zibanejad have worked well with various linemates in the past.
The Rangers are looking for stability on the right side of their second line, which is considered one of the most consistent lines in the league. However, it remains unclear what type of player complements Kreider and Zibanejad best.
General Manager Chris Drury has made efforts to address this issue in previous trade deadlines, acquiring players like Frank Vatrano, Vlad Tarasenko, and Patrick Kane. These players could be options again as the March 8 deadline approaches.
For now, Cuylle seems to be the frontrunner for the role. Once Kakko returns from injury, he may reclaim his position on the first line, where the trio has had limited success so far this season.
Head coach Peter Laviolette explained that Cuylle’s inclusion in the lineup is not a reflection of anyone’s performance but rather an opportunity to create balance and generate more offense.
Cuylle brings a physical presence and speed to the lineup, with a knack for driving to the net and utilizing his lethal wrist shot. Despite his impressive rookie season with seven goals, Cuylle has yet to showcase his quick release.
Laviolette emphasized that the decision to make lineup changes is based on evaluating production and deciding whether to stick with it or make adjustments.
The Rangers’ bottom-six forwards have struggled to contribute offensively, with only three goals in the last 16 games.
Change has been a constant for the Zibanejad-Kreider duo, and the upcoming game against the Blues will be no exception.
