VANCOUVER, British Columbia — It’s the best-case scenario for Filip Chytil and the Rangers.
The Czech center, who was examined by specialists in New York after a scary collision with K’Andre Miller last week, did not suffer a concussion and is set to join the Rangers in Calgary, industry sources told The Post on Tuesday.
Despite being cleared for the injury similar to the one that sidelined him for 72 of 82 regular-season games last season, Chytil is still considered day-to-day and may not jump right back into the lineup.
Rangers center Filip Chytil is tended to after a collision with K’Andre Miller on Nov. 14, 2024.
Head coach Peter Laviolette wouldn’t divulge much about the plan for Chytil once he joins the Rangers, declining to say whether or not the 25-year-old would practice on Wednesday or play against the Flames on Thursday.
“He’s coming back to join us and then we’ll make those decisions,” Laviolette said after an optional Rangers morning skate at Rogers Arena, ahead of the Blueshirts matchup with the Canucks.
Everything Chytil has said and done since this saga with his health continued 10 games into last season indicates that he probably just wanted to be around the team, especially after not being able to for a majority of last season during a tumultuous recovery from what is believed to be the fourth concussion of his eight-year NHL career.
The Rangers would not put Chytil on a plane if he were not cleared to do so, but there is no need for him to go right back into the lineup after the weekend he’s had.
Asked if there was thought to not rush Chytil despite him being cleared, Laviolette expressed his faith in the team doctors to make the right decisions.
“I think our doctors do a really good job of protecting the players and making sure that when they come back that they’re healthy,” he said. “When that happens, that’s when Fil will be available.”
While this was an incredibly positive development, the reality is that this wasn’t a matter of if, it was a matter of when — and it still is.
The concern surrounding Chytil’s durability is as prominent as ever, in addition to the long-term health of the person, not the player.
Filip Chytil #72 and K’Andre Miller #79 of the New York Rangers collide during the second period against the San Jose Sharks.
On the collision with Miller — similar to the one with Carolina forward Jesper Fast last year — Chytil was looking down at the puck. The 21st-overall pick in 2017 will always be vulnerable in that state if he continues to play that way.
For right now, however, the Rangers can breathe a sigh of relief.
Not only is one of their best players on track to return to the lineup, but Chytil getting cleared presumably means one of the most consistent lines this season — with Kaapo Kakko and Will Cuylle — will go back together.
In 129:37 of ice time so far this season, according to Natural Stat Trick, that trio has outscored opponents 11-0 during five-on-five play.
The Rangers’ 69-57 advantage in scoring attempts with those three on the ice is one thing, but their 32-18 edge in high-danger chances is another.
It’s a line that can cause havoc in the offensive zone.
Rangers center Filip Chytil (72) skates with the puck against San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini.
The way he has been playing, Chytil has been an integral part of that unit.
“He’s been an important part of this team this year, played great,” Jonathan Quick said. “That’ll be huge to get him back.”
