Filip Chytil is a player I’d like to describe as a “swing player” in the Rangers’ 2020-21 season. The 21-year-old center was drafted 21st overall by the Blueshirts in 2017, with the expectation that he would eventually develop into a top-six mainstay.
Although time is on his side, the Rangers will hope to see considerable progress from No. 72 during the upcoming season. After beginning the 2019-20 season in the AHL, the swift-skating Czech forward tallied 23 points in 60 NHL games. A 0.31 points per game to 0.38 points per game increase compared to a season earlier wasn’t a significant statistical leap.
Chytil spent most of the 2019-20 season joined by a learning-on-the-fly Kaapo Kakko and an offensively-deficient Brett Howden on the third line. The trio wasn’t a good mix, and the arrival of No. 1 overall draft pick Alexis Lafreneire will allow head coach David Quinn to experiment with fresh line combinations.
It was a different story when Chytil filled in for an injured Mika Zibanejad early in the season. While centering the second line with Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich on his wings, Chytil shined. He began the 2019-20 campaign with 10 points in 16 games. The trio contributed a dominant 63.4 xGF% (expected goals for percentage) across 110 minutes of five-on-five ice time.
A change in linemates can often make the difference. The opportunity to play alongside Hart Trophy finalist Artemi Panarin rocketed Ryan Strome to a career-best 59 points, and surged his points per game to 0.84 compared to 0.52 a season earlier. This example isn’t meant to discount Strome’s individual improvement. It’s intended to illustrate how a combination of good circumstance and improvement can transform a player’s fortunes.
Competition is the driving force on young, upward-aiming teams. The Rangers’ rebuild will be in good shape if Chytil can summon his best performances and tap into his full potential. He has the ability to be an offense-driver. His fast legs, strength in possession, playmaking vision, and 14 goals in 60 games last season hints at a high ceiling.
I’m of the belief that he will eventually grow into a more complete and superior defensive zone center compared to Strome. I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that Chytil could make the case for a top-six role if he’s consistent enough.
On the other side of the coin, any lack of progression could allow Howden or highly-touted prospect Morgan Barron to challenge for Chytil’s third line center role. So, it’s imperative for Chytil to get off to a hot start and keep the wolves at bay.
Chytil’s future is very much in his own hands and the 2020-21 season will be crucial to establishing his long-term credentials. He’s certainly a player to keep a close eye on.
Follow Sean Hartnett on Twitter: @HartnettHockey
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch