Filip Chytil practices with Rangers, ‘no timeframe’ on lineup return
Filip Chytil took part in New York Rangers practice Thursday after returning from Czechia earlier in the week. Though a positive sign that the injured center was on the ice with his teammates, it’s unknown when Chytil will be back in the Rangers lineup.
“It’s day one and so he’s starting up the process of working up to speed,” coach Peter Laviolette said after practice. “It was good to have him out there, but there’s no timeframe.”
Chytil has not played since sustaining an upper-body injury Nov. 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes after a collision with former Blueshirts forward Jesper Fast.
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Filip Chytil practices with Rangers after ‘reset’ in Czechia
The 24-year-old headed home to Czechia for a “reset” about a month ago. He’d been skating and working out there, including at least one session shared on social media with former Rangers great Jaromir Jagr.
Laviolette was asked about Chytil’s return to New York on Tuesday prior to the Rangers’ 3-2 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks that ended a 1-2-1 trip to the west coast.
“He’s back and he’s progressing and our doctors will let us know when he’s cleared,” Laviolette said. “But no timeline. No timeline.”
So, the message remains consistent from the coach with the Rangers taking a cautious approach. Chytil, who has six assists in 10 games this season, skated with a no-contact jersey on Thursday.
In a move possibly related to Chytil’s return to practice, the Rangers placed veteran center Nick Bonino on waivers Thursday. If he isn’t claimed by another team, Bonino could be assigned to Hartford in the American hockey League. There’s also the chance Bonino could be released if the 35-year-old balks at being sent to the minors.
Jake Leschyshyn was recalled from Hartford. The forward has played one game with the Rangers this season.
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