Coming off of a breakout season, what more can Filip Chytil do in 2023-24 to continue the progression of his NHL career?
Filip Chytil has been riding an absolute high since his incredible performance in the 2022 postseason. After tallying 7 goals and 2 assists in 20 games during that playoff run, Chytil followed that up with a 22-goal, 23 assists season in 2022-23, hitting new career highs in both categories.
Chytil appears to be ready to become a top-six center in the National Hockey League, but the Rangers are pretty deep up the middle so it might not happen this season. His confidence skyrocketed last season and I feel that he has even more swagger entering the 2023-24 campaign now that he doesn't have to worry about a contract. This will be Chytil's first season under his new 4-year, $17.75 million contract, so now he needs to play up to that.
Chytil finished third on the team last year in even-strength goals (19) only trailing Chris Kreider (24) and Artemi Panarin (20). Since the 2021-22 season, he is 6th on the team (27).
It's unfortunate that Chytil most likely won't get any power play time with the first unit, in fact, The Daily Faceoff doesn't even have him projected to be on either man-advantage group, which I find very bizarre. He tallied three goals on the power play last season, which was tied for 5th on the team with Alexis Lafreniere. He should without a doubt have a spot on the second unit.
I feel strongly that Chytil might get a couple of games as the second-line center for this team, which should advance his offensive production. I can easily see Chytil scoring 25 goals this season, but it will be hard with his limited power-play ice time.
It will be interesting to see who his linemates are for the majority of the season. Either way, he will continue to progress.
My prediction for Chytil is 56 points (25 goals, 31 assists).
