Canucks’ Filip Chytil returns after 44-game absence
The Vancouver Canucks are getting a top-six center back into their lineup.
Head coach Adam Foote revealed that Filip Chytil will return for Friday’s home game against the New Jersey Devils.
Filip Chytil to start tonight between Drew O’Connor and Brock Boeser #Canucks
Chytil, 26, will center Vancouver’s second line with Brock Boeser and Drew O’Connor on his wings.
The Czech national hasn’t played since the Canucks’ 4-3 win over the Washington Capitals on October 19th, when he took a hard hit in the neutral zone from Washington’s Tom Wilson. Chytil has a history of head injuries, though the resulting injury from the hit was classified only as an upper-body injury and never confirmed as a concussion.
In just six games played this season, Chytil has has three goals.
Vancouver acquired Chytil midway through last season as part of the trade that sent forward J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. In 15 games for the Canucks after coming over in the deal last season, he notched two goals and four assists for six points.
Initially selected 21st overall by the Rangers in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Chytil spent his first six-plus NHL seasons in New York. His best season came in 2022-23, when he put up 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points in 74 games.
Chytil is in the third season of a four-year, $17.75 million contract. With Vancouver positioning themselves as sellers ahead of March 6th’s trade deadline, having already sent out defenseman Quinn Hughes and forward Kiefer Sherwood, Chytil could be another trade candidate to watch, particularly if he performs well over the next stretch of games.
The Canucks sit dead last in the NHL with 39 points through 50 games, and their minus-50 goal differential is tied for last in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues.
After facing the Devils on Friday, the Canucks will continue their current seven-game homestand when the host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday.