The news that we all expected when Filip Chytil suffered a setback in Friday’s practice was confirmed Sunday by the Rangers. Chytil will be out the remainder of the season with what is being called an upper-body injury but is believed to be a concussion. The keywords in the tweet are “remainder of the season,” not remainder of the regular season, but a season, period, and end stop, meaning that he won’t be back for the playoffs.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 28, 2024
The absence of Chytil, who was slated to fill the third-line center role and expected to take a major step forward this season, leaves a large hole in the Rangers’ lineup. First injured November 2 when he collided with Carolina’s Jesper Fast on what looked to be an innocuous play, Chytil has played just 10 games this season, posting six assists. Chytil went home to Czechia to reset his recovery and try to accelerate his return.
This move looked to have paid dividends as Chytil was spotted on ice with Jaromir Jagr and then returned to New York last week. Chytil practiced in a non-contact jersey Thursday and was back on the ice Friday. Skating with Zac Jones and Jake Leschyshyn, Chytil reportedly tripped on a stick and needed assistance to be helped off the ice. Worst-case scenarios went through every Rangers fan’s mind, which unfortunately proved accurate. The most important thing is Chytil’s future health, as this is believed to be his fourth concussion. Hockey is secondary by far and we all pray for a full recovery.
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Nick Bonino, recently designated for assignment and waived, tried to fill that spot but was unable to do so. Jonny Brodzinski has had some success, but he is not a true third center. Same with Barclay Goodrow. New York doesn’t really have anyone in the system who could be a fit, requiring the team to explore the trade market.
New York can utilize Chytil’s $4.4 million salary to try to find a replacement. Future unrestricted free agents (UFA) after the season are likely to be the primary target. Montreal’s Sean Monahan, making $1.95 million, has been prominently rumored as a possible option but also probably the most expensive to acquire. Anaheim’s Adam Henrique will also be sought after, but his $5.825 mil will require the Ducks to eat part of his cap hit to make a deal work. Other centers in the mix are Columbus’ Jack Roslovic ($4 mil) and the Sharks’ Alexander Wennberg ($4.5 mil). As teams fall out of contention, other pivot men will become available, so GM Chris Drury may wait a few weeks before making a deal. The focus of the above list is just UFA centers but Drury will also look for a top-six right winger and bottom-six depth. Since New York will likely want to make 2-3 deals, they will require as little cap hit as possible to come back in any trade.