Chytil and Andersson…what a difference a year makes

What’s ahead?

It’s obvious that while Andersson impressed David Quinn in earning his slot on the roster, the coach was as disappointed in Chytil’s development.  He spoke at length about the young Czech.

“He’s a great prospect, he’s a guy we think very highly of…it’s part of the maturation of a 20-year old and instead of sitting up here and maybe being in our lineup, going down and playing center, the power play, all those minutes…it’ll help his development.”

When asked what is missing from Chytil’s game, Quinn had quite a list.  “Understanding how competitive he needs to be on pucks consistently, faceoffs, responsibilities defensively…when there is a decision to be made are you on offense or are you on defense. His feel for the game in general. That comes from playing a lot and growing as a player.  Right now we feel that’s the best spot (Hartford) for him to do that.

Quinn said that Chytil would be playing center for the Wolf Pack, but that wasn’t the issue with him being sent down.  “The position doesn’t matter for him.  These are things that are hockey related and not position related. ”

It’s clear that the team knows he has the skills to be a quality NHL player. If you listen to what Quinn was saying, when it comes to Chytil it is more mental than physical.   Hopefully, with quality coaching in the AHL and the opportunity to play in all situations, Chytil will get his game together and will be back in the NHL soon.

In the meantime, Andersson is finally living up to the advanced billing.  Remember the quote from Gordie Clark, Director of Player Personnel, when they drafted the Swede?

"“He’s a helluva player. We’ve really needed a certain kind of player to add into our organization.  This guy, his work ethic and his ability,  you’re gonna love him, the fans will love him.  He’s got the combination of the grit and ability we’ve been looking for.   He’s not a dynamic scorer, he’s a dynamic player in the way that he plays,  he is just so driven,  driving the net, forchecking. finishing checks, and he can make a pass, make a play.”"

This preseason we got a glimpse of what the Rangers were looking for when they drafted him.

Lessons to learn

If there is anything to be learned from this preseason and the past two seasons with Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil, it’s too early to pass judgment.  These are players who are barely 20 years old and who are learning in the toughest classroom in the NHL.

Just as Lias Andersson needed time so does Filip Chytil.  It remains to be seen if Andersson can continue to grow and if Chytil can put it all together, but it is not the time to jump to any conclusions.  The Rangers seem to be taking the right development path for these young players as well as all of their prospects.  Hopefully it will pay off.