What an interesting career for Filip Chytil thus far. Hitting the NHL at 18 years old, and just 19 for his first full season, it seems like he’s been with the Rangers forever. Last season was his 5th full season, not bad for a kid who will be just 24 to start next season. Last season was by far his best season, setting career highs in goals (22), assists (23), points (45), and shots on goal (177). His production is even more impressive when you realize 19-21-40 was at even strength averaging 12:37 per game at 5v5.
Let’s let that sink in for a second. Chytil was 6th on the team in points, tied for 4th in goals, and tied for 6th in assists, and did it all with just five powerplay points. For those keeping track, the five players ahead of him were all on PP1. Chytil, in fact, was the 2nd best player at 5v5 points/60 on the team to Artemi Panarin.
This is the crux of why many think Chytil can and should be the 2C over Vincent Trocheck. At 5v5, Chytil put up 19-21-40, and Trocheck put up 13-34-47. Chytil spent most of his time with Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko, while Trocheck was basically stapled to Panarin. This isn’t a slight against Trocheck, who graded out very nicely this season. This is about Chytil’s ability on the ice as an offensive play driver and efficient scorer.
Chytil’s play driving will be questioned, since his goals-for may not be reflective of his individual play driving (left chart), but his overall team impact was significantly better (right chart). Like with Trocheck over the weekend, these play driving visuals are a mixed bag. Structure and a more definitive role at 5v5 will go a long way to Chytil improving his individual play driving, as will proper linemates.
For now, Chytil was an effective and efficient 5v5 scorer who is worth of 2C minutes, should the lineup shake out that way. Worst case scenario, he is a 3C on a sheltered scoring line. Best case scenario he’s the 2C without sheltering needed. To have the debate about Chytil vs. Trocheck as the 2C/3C shows that the Rangers are in a good spot down the middle, even if the prospect pool is slim pickings there.
Grade: A-/borderline A
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