Rangers’ Will Cuylle ‘really excited’ to make NHL debut in hometown of Toronto

From left, Will Cuylle attends the Ranger Prospect Development Camp at the Ranger Training Center in Tarrytown on July 12, 2022. Ranger Development Camp/Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News/USA TODAY NETWORK

Not only will Will Cuylle make his NHL debut with the Rangers on Wednesday night, but he will also do so in his hometown of Toronto against the Maple Leafs.

Called up from Hartford on Tuesday, Cuylle said he was looking forward to hitting the ice in his first NHL game.

“I’m pretty excited,” he said. “Obviously it’s pretty cool to skate just for morning practice. Obviously, growing up here feels like home, so I’m really excited.

Cuylle, a 2020 Rangers second-round pick, said he would have around 20-30 people in the building to watch his debut, with many more people watching at home.

In 39 games for Hartford this season, Cuylle has scored 13 goals with seven assists, leading the Wolf Pack in goals.

But he said on Wednesday he wanted to play by himself on his debut.

“Just worry about the things I can control,” Cuylle said. “I’m just going to go out and work as hard as I can and keep it simple and not try to do too much and just play my game. That’s what got me here, so I’m going to stick with it.

Cuylle may be trying to be cool when it comes to his approach for Wednesday’s game, but Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant hopes the young striker finds the back of the net.

“It’s his hometown, his first game in the NHL, so I think it will be exceptional for the youngster,” Gallant said with a smile. “I hope he plays very well and scores at least one goal.”