Rangers coach believes Jonny Brodzinski ‘good fit’ on 3rd line after Filip Chytil injury
Jonny Brodzinski stepped out of the press box and on to the third line at New York Rangers practice Saturday. And that’s likely where he’ll be found Sunday, when the Rangers open a four-game road trip at the Seattle Kraken.
The 31-year-old center took all the reps with wings Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko because Filip Chytil did not practice after sustaining an upper-body injury in a 3-2 win against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. Chytil is still being evaluated by medical personnel and is not traveling to Seattle with the Rangers. However, there’s a chance he could join his teammates later on the road trip.
Though Rangers coach Peter Laviolette tried to play it coy about Brodzinski, it appears clear that he’ll play Sunday against the Kraken. The Rangers did recall center Jake Leschyshyn from Hartford of the American Hockey League on Saturday, but he practiced as the extra forward and should be upstairs watching the Kraken game on Sunday.
“I think that spot’s a good fit for him,” Laviolette said about Brodzinski on the third line. “He’s played there before. He’s done that. I think he’s real comfortable here now. If needed, he’ll be fine here.”
That is true. Brodzinski spent much of last season centering the third line after Chytil went down in November with an upper-body injury believed to be a concussion. Chytil played only 10 games in the regular season and six in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That opened the door for Brodzinski to play an NHL career-high 57 games, when he scored six goals and finished with 19 points.
Brodzinski was pushed back into the extra forward role last season when the Rangers acquired Alex Wennberg to center the third line right before the trade deadline.
Though not a star, Brodzinski has long been a favorite of Laviolette’s.
“He goes in there, he gives us good minutes,” Laviolette said Saturday. “He’s fast. He’s competitive.”
When asked if Brodzinski can handle filling in for Chytil again, the Rangers coach didn’t hesitate.
“Yeah, I definitely think that.”
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Brodzinski has big shoes — or skates — to fill, replacing Chytil on the third line, whether that’s for one game or for an extended stretch. Chytil is off to a terrific start after his injury-marred 2023-24 campaign. He’s energized the lineup at both ends of the rink, and formed outstanding chemistry with Cuylle and Kakko.
The 25-year-old center has nine points (four goals, five assists) in 15 games, and the line has totaled 28 points. That trio out-scored opponents 11-0 at 5v5 and has an xGF of 65.29 percent, per Natural Stat Trick,
Simply, they’ve been among the best lines in the entire League.
So, yes, Chytil will be missed. Last season, the Rangers third line was solid defensively but provided little production after Chytil was hurt. But this season, Cuylle has matured into a force offensively with five goals and 11 points already, and Kakko (eight points; two goals, six assists) is playing at a much higher level than a year ago.
It’s up to Brodzinski to fit in as seamlessly as possible to keep things humming along. His speed will be an asset, though he’s not the offensive threat that Chytil is.
Of course, concern for Chytil rises above the on-ice factors. If this is indeed another head injury, that’s a frightening thing to consider, especially with all Chytil went through last season.
It appeared Chytil was struck on the side of the head or possibly on the jaw by Miller’s elbow in their accidental collision. Chytil was wobbly, but returned to play one more shift after being cleared by doctors. Laviolette said Chytil didn’t feel right and was ruled out then for the rest of the game.
“We’re always careful with players,” Laviolette explained when asked if Chytil is being treated more cautiously by the Rangers. “Nobody jumps back without doctors and everybody doing their job … We’re always watching out for the players.”
We’ll see what the comings days bring. For now, at least on Sunday, Brodzinski is out of the press box and on the ice playing an important role for the Rangers. From there, we will wait and see.
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