Despite seven seasons in the NHL filled with inconsistent development and injuries, the New York Rangers still have faith in Filip Chytil.
Although he’s only 24, it feels like Chytil has been with the Rangers forever—except for the times he’s been sent to the minors (twice) or sidelined by numerous injuries. These setbacks have allowed him to play 70 games in a season only twice. Last season was particularly rough, with Chytil managing to play just 10 games before suffering what was suspected to be another concussion, ending his regular season prematurely.
That door opens and closes. Chytil has played in the NHL long enough to have experienced a highly significant turning point in his career, regardless of his age. There doesn’t seem to be much reason to think that the (still) young center will be anything other than what he has been, which is an injury-prone player whose intriguing abilities have remained mostly blocked, if he can’t put together another healthy season in which his production finally starts to match his talent.
Chytil Looked Outstanding in 2023-24 Before Injury Struck Again
During the 2022-23 season, the Rangers likely felt vindicated for their patience with Filip Chytil, their 21st pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. Chytil achieved career highs with 22 goals and 23 assists in 74 games, following an impressive 2022 playoff performance where he scored seven goals in 20 games, showcasing his speed, power skating, and elite puck skills.
The Rangers saw Chytil as ready to join the top six, a view shared by new coach Peter Laviolette in the 2023-24 season. Laviolette placed Chytil between Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere, and the trio excelled in their 10 games together, achieving a 57.6 expected goal share and out-chancing opponents 62-39. Although Chytil didn’t score, he had six assists and a 56.1 expected goal share, indicating a positive trajectory since spring 2022.
However, Chytil’s progress was abruptly halted on November 2, 2023, when he collided with Jesper Fast of the Carolina Hurricanes and was sidelined for the rest of the regular season due to a suspected concussion. A scare in January, where Chytil collapsed on the ice during his recovery, further jeopardized his career.
In a surprising turn, Chytil was medically cleared for the playoffs. He returned in Game 3 of the Rangers’ second-round series against the Hurricanes, playing 12 minutes and contributing to a 3-2 overtime victory. Despite this promising comeback, Chytil missed Game 4 and the rest of the series, leading to speculation about another head injury. However, it was later revealed he was just not in game shape and needed more time to recover.
Chytil played in five of the six games during the Rangers’ Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers, recording seven shots on goal. His ability to withstand physical play, including a hit from defenseman Niko Mikkola, was encouraging.
Chytil’s career has been a rollercoaster, making the 2024-25 season crucial. If he repeats the setbacks of 2023-24, it might solidify 2022-23 as an outlier, potentially leading the Rangers to reconsider his future with the team. Another significant injury, particularly to the head, could not only hinder his ability to stay in the lineup but also raise questions about his long-term career viability.
Ultimately, Chytil’s health and future in hockey are at stake. As a dedicated and well-liked player, his well-being may need to be prioritized, and his role in the team’s plans could be reassessed if he faces another injury-marred season.
Rangers Anxiously Hoping to Get 2022-23 Version of Chytil in 2024-25
The Rangers have a lot invested in Filip Chytil. As one of their few young players with significant potential, they secured his future with a four-year, $17.75 million contract in March 2023, which seemed like a great move at the time. For the 2024-25 season, his main goal will be to secure the third-line center position, but his long-term contract indicates expectations that he will eventually join the top six, potentially replacing veterans Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck. Given his solid performance on the team’s top line last season, though in limited games, this expectation appears realistic.
Talented centers like Chytil are rare. Besides his offensive abilities, he consistently drives possession and is a reliable defensive player. The Rangers would greatly benefit from Chytil anchoring a productive third line, which they lacked during the 2023 postseason.
Can Chytil leave behind the injuries and finally have a stable season? His return in the playoffs offers renewed hope. The 2024-25 season presents another golden opportunity for him to prove himself.
However, this might be his final chance. Another significant injury could end his career. Chytil is at a crossroads: he can either build on his impressive 2022-23 season, where his confidence and productivity soared, or remain hindered by injuries like in 2023-24.