Filip Chytil returning to Rangers after rehab in Czechia: report
Filip Chytil is on his way back to New York and the Rangers, according to multiple reports.
Emily Kaplan of ESPN was first to report that Chytil was “en route back to New York” after heading home to Czechia for a “reset” during his rehab from an upper-body injury.
Mollie Walker of the New York Post said she “can confirm” Chytil’s return.
Filip Chytil reportedly on way back to Rangers
Chytil has not played since Nov. 2 after a collision with Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesper Fast. The 24-year-old center was stunned by the collision with the former Ranger, played a bit more that game but not since.
He had six assists in the first 10 games this season, centering a line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere. Chytil had an NHL career-high 22 goals and 45 points in 74 games last season.
It is not yet known if Chytil will resume practicing with the team upon his return to New York or when he might play again. But the reports appear promising that Chytil will play again this season, something coach Peter Laviolette said a few weeks ago.
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Vincent Trocheck has stepped up in Chytil’s absence. So much so, in fact, that Trocheck was selected Monday to play in the 2024 NHL All-Star Game next week in Toronto. He and Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets replace injured forwards Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks and Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights.
Trocheck has shown great chemistry with Panarin and Lafreniere, and is tied for second on the Rangers with 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 46 games.
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