The most polarizing New York Rangers player over the last couple of seasons has been 25-year-old center Filip Chytil. Chytil has all the potential in the world, as he was the 21st pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the Rangers.
Filip Chytil has been an ascending player with the New York Rangers, improving each and every year. He is one of the few players who can generate offense off the rush, thanks to his combination of blazing speed, stickhandling skills, and ability to skate with the puck. He also possesses a very good shot that is accurate and features a quick release.
So, with all these great intangibles and skill sets, why is Chytil not already a superstar in the NHL?
A simple answer to that is that he has not been able to stay healthy and has frequently been hurt during his first eight seasons in the NHL. He has suffered multiple concussions in his early career, which is alarming. The most recent one occurred last year, only ten games into the season against the Hurricanes, when he collided with former Ranger Jesper Fast. He was quickly placed on long-term injured reserve. He was able to return to practice in late January, but as he was just getting ready to come back, he suffered another setback related to his head injuries and was ruled out for the rest of the regular season, returning home to Czechia. At this point, Chytil's career seemed to be in jeopardy due to his multiple concussions.
Miraculously and unexpectedly, he returned just in time for the playoffs. However, after only playing ten games during the regular season, he did not look the same, playing in only six playoff games out of the Rangers' 16 and failing to record a single point.
Now that he has had a full offseason to get healthy, Chytil is entering a pivotal season with the Rangers in 2024-25. This seems to be his last chance to prove he can stay healthy, as another concussion may end his hockey career. He also needs to demonstrate that he can still be the same aggressive player who uses his speed to skate through the neutral zone and be an effective rush player, while also showing that he is not afraid to take hits.
To say Filip Chytil has exceeded expectations through the Rangers' first six games is an understatement.
He has been flying through the neutral zone and getting into the corners to absorb hits. He has not shied away from using his speed and quick release. Chytil has registered three goals and two assists for five points in six games, along with a +8 plus-minus rating, which is among the best in the league. He is currently on one of the top lines in the NHL with Kaapo Kakko and Will Cuylle, and they have yet to give up a goal while producing seven goals, which is tied for third in the league. Chytil has probably been their best 5-on-5 player this season, which could be crucial for them in the playoffs when 5-on-5 production is key. He currently looks like he could be a star for the Rangers and in the NHL.
With a great start to the season, if he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for Filip Chytil.