HOLY HEALTH!
Chytil surprisingly back at practice after being cleared; playoff return possible
The trudge to the regular-season finish line has been unforgiving for the Rangers, but a familiar — and unexpected — face at practice on Friday suddenly made the playoff light at the end of the tunnel gleam that much brighter.
Filip Chytil was a full participant in practice for the first time since suffering a setback in his recovery from a suspected concussion in late January, a development that has opened the door for the Czech center to return to the Rangers lineup at some point in the playoffs.
There is still no definitive timeline, but Chytil has been medically cleared, according to a source.
“Just the human side of it, what he went through was something no one wants to see,” captain Jacob Trouba told The Post. “We all saw him at the rink and what he was going through, you give the guy time and space he needs to get through that, but it’s also hard to see a guy like that. We all play this game and no one wants to be in that state of mind or that position.
“Just to see him back healthy and happy, I think that’s the biggest thing for everyone.”
The Rangers have prioritized Chytil’s health and will continue to do so, with head coach Peter Laviolette asserting that the 24-yearold’s situation is different from the other injury cases they have had this season.
Chytil hasn’t seen game action since the Rangers 10th matchup of the season on Nov. 2. It has been a long road to recovery, which included a three-week stint in his home country of Czechia to reset before a scary scene at a morning skate on Jan. 26, when No. 72 fell on the ice and needed assistance to the locker room.
The Rangers shut him down and ruled him out for the remainder of the regular season two days later.
“This is a little bit different I think just because this player is coming back from something that’s substantial,” Laviolette said. “He has not been on the ice with us. We want to make sure that he’s fit and ready to play and ready to have a positive impact on the game. The fact that he’s back doesn’t necessarily mean he’s ready for a game.”
Chytil, who described this time as “the hardest three months of my life” on Instagram after his setback, looked natural in his first day back at practice. He was also the last skater on the ice putting in extra work.
The Rangers could become the latest NHL team to benefit from the LTIR cap loophole if they get Chytil back for the playoffs. Since there is no salary cap come April 20, Chytil would be able to be activated off long-term injured reserve no problem.
Based on Laviolette’s comments, Chytil won’t be ready to play in either of the Rangers’ final two regular-season games — against the Islanders on Saturday and the Senators on Monday. Even if they wanted him to, the Rangers would have to make other moves to create the space.
So long as Chytil continues to practice with the Rangers without any setbacks, however, a highlyanticipated postseason return is in play.
There could be some challenges that come with reinserting a player who hasn’t played in over five months. Not only will it take
Chytil time to get into game shape, but Laviolette will be tasked with slotting Chytil into the right spot during the most crucial part of the season.
After opening up the season as the Rangers’ second-line center between Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere, Chytil would presumably have to be inserted elsewhere considering how well Vincent Trocheck has played in his stead. Chytil could either be a third-line center option, which would bump Alex Wennberg down to the fourth unit, or potentially play on the right wing of Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad if Jack Roslovic doesn’t find a groove in that role.
Regardless, Chytil is an impactful top-nine skater — top six if you consider where he started the season — who would surely help the Rangers in their pursuit of their first Stanley Cup in 30 years.
It’s the time of year when teams are looking for anything to rally for. Chytil surely could be just that for the Rangers.