After trading away Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, and Trent Frederic, the Boston Bruins are heading into a crucial offseason with serious holes to fill up front.
With core pieces gone, the team requires a new identity — one that’s physical, gritty, and capable of contributing immediately.
While unrestricted free agents like Mitch Marner and Brock Boeser will dominate headlines, the Bruins might be eyeing a different path: targeting a restricted free agent who fits their style of play and can bring energy to the roster.
Young Power Forward Emerging as a Dark Horse Target
Among the restricted free agents on the market, few are more intriguing than New York Rangers winger Will Cuylle.
At 23, Cuylle is still early in his NHL career, but the way he plays already aligns with Boston’s DNA.
A 6-foot-4 forward who doesn’t shy away from contact, Cuylle is the kind of gritty, physical presence the Bruins lacked after shedding multiple core pieces at the trade deadline.
His physical edge, paired with a breakout season, raises eyebrows among scouts and analysts alike.
Cuylle’s Breakout Season Speaks Volumes
Coming off a strong year with the Rangers, Cuylle put up 20 goals, 25 assists, and 45 points while playing all 82 games.
That alone is a solid progression for a young forward, but it’s his league-leading 301 hits that truly stand out.
He didn’t just show up — he made opponents feel him shift after shift. That kind of presence would immediately make Boston harder to play against again.
And with the Bruins needing both production and edge in their middle six, Cuylle could be a seamless fit.
Versatility Makes Him More Than Just a Power Forward
Cuylle has the tools to impact the game in multiple ways.
His strength down low and willingness to battle in front of the net make him a possible power-play option.
On the flip side, his commitment to defense and high motor could give the Bruins another penalty-kill asset.
He’s not a one-dimensional hitter — he’s rounding into a true two-way forward with upside.
Boston Has Cap Space — And a Unique Opportunity
The Bruins have positioned themselves well cap-wise, which opens the door to more creative acquisitions.
Offer sheets are rare, but in Cuylle’s case, it could be a worthwhile gamble. He’s still young, controllable, and appears to be trending upward.
In a post-Marchand era, Boston needs new identity pieces, and Cuylle already plays like one.
This Could Be the Swing Boston Needs
Cuylle’s age, style, and growth curve make him a fascinating possibility for a Bruins team in transition.
He hits, scores, and battles in the hard areas — a combination that’s becoming harder to find.
Boston has the flexibility, the need is clear, and the fit? Almost too perfect to ignore.
If the Bruins want to shake things up and get younger without sacrificing identity, a well-timed offer sheet for Will Cuylle might be the most Bruins-like move they could make.
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