Chytil has been my favorite Ranger for a while now, and I’m sad to see him leave. When the team was bottoming out and starting the “rebuild” between 2016 and 2018, Fil was the first draft pick to come into camp and really wow everyone with what he could do. A skinny, 18 year old Czech kid came in and started blowing by NHL defenseman with the puck. He was oozing all kinds of potential but more than that, he represented hope. The hope that this team was in a bad spot but could be better. He made me hopeful for this team’s future. And for that, I always had a special affection for the player.
All that being said, when his name came up in the Miller rumors, I was getting the feeling that it was time for him to move on. Chytil was never going to get a chance to be more than a 3C here and the health concerns were mounting. But if he stays healthy (big if, I know) and he gets an expanded role and a vote of confidence from the coaching staff in Vancouver, I would not be surprised to see an increase in production similar to what Kakko is doing in Seattle.
Godspeed and good luck, Fil. I’m still rooting for you.