Vancouver Canucks give really positive injury update on Filip Chytil
Filip Chytil has made huge strides in his recovery for the Vancouver Canucks.
The 25-year-old hasn’t played since March 15, when he was knocked out of a game after taking a dirty hit from Jason Dickinson. Chytil was clearly woozy as he got to his feet and has a long, documented history of concussions.
Chytil played just 10 games in the 2023-24 season as he dealt with a concussion. There was concern that this recent injury would also keep him off the ice for a long period of time. However, he returned to practice this past weekend in a red non-contact jersey and today wore a normal jersey for the first time at morning skate.
It seems as if his recovery process has been faster than expected, something confirmed by head coach Rick Tocchet, who explained an illness originally made the injury seem worse than reality.
“I actually just talked to him today, [he] had a smile on his face. He had the concussion, but I don’t think it’s as bad as it was last year,” said Tocchet today. “We talked about that. I think there’s some other things there. He thought he might have had a little bit of a virus that affected that, but he’s excited.”
“Three weeks ago, I think it was doom or gloom because what’s this, his fourth [concussion] or something? But just talking today, and we’ll talk before the exit meetings, he’s very upbeat. It’s almost like it wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been because of this virus or whatever he had, so that’s a positive. ”
That’s excellent news for Chytil. Head injuries and concussions have ended many players’ careers, but the fact that he’s already participating in skates alongside the team means he avoided the worst-case scenario.
Dickinson received no discipline for his dirty hit on Chytil. The Canucks took exception to the play and Kiefer Sherwood had some pointed words for Dickinson postgame, including a warning for the future.
“He’s going to have to answer the bell next year,” said Sherwood about Dickinson in March. “I know we don’t play them again, but that was a dirty hit, unnecessary, 6-2, and then he doesn’t have the whatever to step on the ice afterwards.”
“It is what it is, we’ll get him next year.”
When in the lineup, Chytil brought a dynamic element to the Canucks. While he had just six points in 15 games, he looked dangerous, and the team will be hoping he can take another step forward next year.