Chytil has so many good things to say about playing for Vancouver Canucks already
When the Vancouver Canucks acquired Filip Chytil from the New York Rangers, analysts pegged the player as a third-line centre.
A quick glance at Chytil’s career stats would back that same story. He’d never played more than 16 minutes per night or scored more than 45 points in a season during his seven-and-a-half years with the Rangers. Those numbers don’t scream top-six.
But through two games with the Canucks, the 25-year-old is showing signs of untapped potential. He’s got two points so far and has topped 20 minutes in each game, something he hadn’t previously done this season.
“I was very happy that I could play that many minutes both games,” Chytil told Daily Hive in an exclusive interview. “In my career so far, I didn’t play [as] many minutes like the last two games.”
“The more I’m playing, I feel more confident; I feel much better on the puck. It’s been good, and hopefully, it’s going to keep going like this.”
It’s not just the ice time Chytil’s getting that’s been impressive; it’s what he’s been doing with it. The left-handed centre has been dynamic, carrying the puck through the neutral zone. He leads the team in Corsi and expected goals share. He’s beaten everyone’s expectations, including that of his new head coach.
“I didn’t know much about him,” said Rick Tocchet. “What I notice from behind the benches is in the neutral zone, being able to get the puck, keeping it, and then attacking.”
When they gave up Miller, the Canucks lost a 100-point top-line centre. No one expects Chytil to fill that gap, but some offensive punch above his career-high 45 points would be much appreciated. Thus far, he’s showing signs that another step forward is possible. As a result, he was elevated to the top power-play unit at practice.
“There’s definitely [another] level there,” continued Tocchet. “You can tell he wants to show there’s another level, and as a coaching staff, we want to help him get there. He’s got the characteristics of a guy that can be a 200-foot, tall, lanky centreman.”
During his first game as a Canuck, Chytil showed incredible patience to find an opening and score his first goal with his new team. The only thing more exciting than the goal was his celebration, as he let out a wave of primal energy, getting the crowd pumped up.
“That meant a lot to me in that moment,” said Chytil on Sunday. “It was so many emotions in my head. I want to build on that, keep working hard every day, and be even better than today.”
Rockstar. #Canucks pic.twitter.com/VMV8cOW1Ax
— Noah Strang (@noahstrang_) February 3, 2025
After spending more than seven years with one team, switching to Vancouver could have resulted in a massive culture shock. But Chytil says that hasn’t been the case, and he’s been impressed with the Canucks organization at every turn.
“When I arrived and I saw the setup we’ve got here, the locker room, and then the next day I saw all the guys and all the people around, it was so nice. Everyone welcomed me. From day one, they’ve been so nice to me, helping me so much. It’s great. I really appreciate it from them.”
With two more seasons on his contract after this one, the Czechia native will likely be in Vancouver for a while. He’s made a great first impression on the fans, and they’ve also impressed him in return. When asked what he thinks about the atmosphere at Rogers Arena, Chytil can’t hide his smile.
“It was great, just was unbelievable. Even in the first game, unfortunately, we lost, but still, that was a great atmosphere.”
If he’s impressed by a midweek game in February, he’ll surely be blown away by the playoff atmosphere in Vancouver. And if it’s up to Chytil, he’ll do everything he can to get the Canucks there.