What does Filip Chytils' latest setback mean for his health, and how do the New York Rangers salvage their season without the young star?
The New York Rangers are dealing with a difficult situation with Filip Chytils' latest setback.
The 24-year-old star's condition again has placed his overall health in jeopardy. His health is a priority.
As a human being, the most important precedent is that the young man's health is placed first and foremost.
It would be a step back to force the person back into playing professional hockey. Not that the organization would do that, but this is an important moment to evaluate the health of a person versus the game of hockey.
As for how the Rangers continue to build toward a championship this season and beyond, they have to take careful consideration into the way they operate before the March 8 trade deadline.
Chytils' Health: At 24 years old, the most important thing is the health and well-being of Chytil.
After all, hockey is a career. It is not all that makes Chytil a human being.
The most important part of this entire development is the steps being taken to ensure the young skaters' health is the focus.
Positional Need: Without Chytil the Rangers will need to address the third-line center position. They have a couple of options.
They can play Jonny Brodzinski in the position until the trade deadline nears.
Drury can pursue a third-line center as soon as possible to beat the Black Friday shoppers and jump the gun to acquire a 3C before the deadline.
The Rangers can move their lineup around and create a different identity for their bottom six.
Or the Rangers brass could recall Nick Bonino and retool from within.
The likely move is acquiring an asset from outside the organization. It adds to the already dire need for a first-line right winger.
If Kaapo Kakko can earn a spot on the top line, the team may be in a better position financially to employ a third-line winger.
The team still needs depth to address a viable first-line right winger and another center.
The Team's Future: If he is shelved long-term, all eyes will be on the draft.
With a stock of wingers coming from recent drafts, it could be an intelligent move to shift Will Cuylle to center or to utilize the next draft to recruit center talent.
A hockey club can never have enough centers, and certainly won't be able to easily bring in a player with Chytil's exact skillset, speed, hands, and relentless play.
The draft is months down the pike, but the team will need to focus its draft efforts on ensuring organizational center depth.