Rangers’ All-Star Vincent Trocheck ‘shocked’ by latest Filip Chytil injury
TORONTO – Vincent Trocheck sat in a pod conducting interviews here at NHL All-Star media day Thursday with his son, Leo, perched on his knee. It’s a special opportunity for the New York Rangers center to share a “huge honor” with his family.
But that doesn’t mean teammate Filip Chytil is far from his thoughts.
Shortly before Trocheck traveled to Toronto for the All-Star festivities, the Rangers announced that Chytil had been shut down for the season after a setback related to the upper-body injury the center sustained Nov. 2.
Related: Frank Vatrano ‘loved’ playing with Rangers, ‘happy in Anaheim’ ahead of trade deadline
‘We miss him’ Vincent Trocheck says of injured Rangers center Filip Chytil
“It’s a really tough situation. You never want to see a teammate and friend go down like that,” Trocheck told Forever Blueshirts. “It’s scary to see him going through what he has. Obviously, from a hockey perspective, we miss him. But at this point, none of us are really worried about that. All we can do is hope that he’s alright.”
The timing of Chytil’s setback shook Trocheck, too. Chytil had just returned after four weeks in Czechia, practiced with the Rangers last Thursday and then reportedly had to be helped off the ice the next day during an optional morning skate.
“We were all shocked,” Trocheck shared. “It was awesome to see him back and exciting to see him back on the ice. Whatever happened, happened. You lose him for the year on the ice but we’re more concerned about his health. That’s the most important thing.”
As for this weekend, Trocheck was selected by Team Matthews captains Auston Matthews and Justin Bieber during the All-Star Draft on Thursday night. Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin also will play for Team Matthews in the NHL All-Star Game on Saturday.
Trocheck’s buddy, Frank Vatrano, was drafted by Team Hughes, captained by Quinn and Jack Hughes and singer Michael Buble. The former Florida Panthers teammates might be able to run it back with the Rangers if Vatrano is moved before the trade deadline March 8.
“We have similar upbringings, similar styles of play and he’s just a really good person at heart, so it’s hard not to love him,” Trocheck said about Vatrano.
The Anaheim Ducks forward, who’s also here as an NHL All-Star, tossed bouquets back at Trocheck.
“He scores goals, kills penalties, plays with edge. He’s a complete player and it’s great to see all the success he’s having,” Vatrano said.
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