Filip Chytil practiced on the third line and second power play unit at the Rangers' most recent practice, which could be an indicator on where he currently stands.
Through the New York Rangers’ most recent practice, Filip Chytil played a much bigger role than may have originally anticipated.
The 24-year-old forward missed practically the entire regular season after suffering a concussion back in November.
While he came back for Game 3 of the Rangers’ second round series against the Carolina Hurricanes, he quickly went down with an illness and soreness, which kept him out the remainder of the series.
Going into their Eastern Conference Final matchup against the Florida Panthers, Chytil practiced on the third line alongside Alex Wennberg and Kaapo Kakko.
He also practiced on the second power play unit. Both of these developments are indicators that Chytil will most likely play a substantial role if he is indeed inserted back into the lineup.
“I thought Fil looked good. He had a good practice. So, that’s a positive for us,” coach Peter Laviolette said.
The young forward is expected to play in Game 1 of this series, which he stated after Tuesday's practice.
“I want to play,” Chytil said via Gannett’s Vince Mercogliano. “I didn’t join to just watch the guys from the stands and have a vacation in New York and Florida. I want to play. I’m going to do my best any time I get put in the lineup.”
The potential return of Chytil will provide the Rangers with a lot more offensive depth as they go up against a loaded Panthers team.
Chytil is a player that will bolster the bottom-six and really even out New York’s forward group that many consider to be top-heavy.
The Rangers are set to play Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Panthers on Wednesday night.