‘I am enjoying every single minute in Vancouver and can’t describe how happy I am to be part of the Canucks organization!’ — Filip Chytil’s last line in goodbye post to Rangers
Landing in the right trade place at the right time can invigorate the test of time.
Filip Chytil was trending in the wrong direction as a third-line centre with the New York Rangers. He wasn’t going to bump Vincent Trocheck or Mika Zibanejad from the top two pivots slots. At age 25, he was suddenly at the contribution crossroads.
It’s customary for a traded player to acknowledge his previous organization and include plaudits via social media. Chytil said nice things about the Rangers, fans and memories during his seven years in New York. However, this parting line probably caught a few by surprise:
“But now, I am enjoying every single minute in Vancouver and can’t describe how happy I am to be part of the Canucks organization!”
And of course, he wants fans to know he is all in on getting his new club back to the playoffs.
Chytil was anxious to beat the knock of not being a top-six staple and a concussion history affecting drive as a reliable and durable 25-goal centre. He arrived with a smile plastered on his mug and spoke with an encouraging tone of untapped potential.
It didn’t take long for Chytil to provide what the Canucks desperately needed. His size, speed and puck control smarts through the neutral zone, married with calm and concise playmaking and a nose for the net, allowed the Canucks to play at a predictable pace.
Chytil has three points (1-3) in four games, 18:40 of average ice time, and a 57.1 per cent faceoff success rate.
When he pulled the debut trigger to force overtime against the Detroit Red Wings on Feb. 2, his attributes were on full display over 20:03 of ice time, nearly six minutes more than his average in New York.
“There were players in front of me, and even behind, and there wasn’t an open lane to shoot right away,” said Chytl, who also won nine of 12 draws. “I was holding the puck as long as I could and happy it went in. It meant a lot to me in that moment. So many emotions in my head.”
And so much anticipation in Vancouver.
Chytil had been on the Canucks’ trade radar for years, and to go where you’re wanted is a big bonus.
“If that was the case in previous years, it’s nice to hear now. I feel great in this moment,” he added. “There’s a lot to work on, especially my defence and faceoffs, but it’s part of the process and I believe in hard work. Each day I’m getting better.”
Reading between lines with Hughes
What are you reading?
Sidelined with an oblique muscle strain that forced passing on the 4-Nations Face-Off, you hope he is dividing viewing time by diving into a good book.
“It quiets the mind and you learn something,” Hughes told Postmedia. “You’re not stimulated on your phone all day looking at this and that. I just really enjoyed learning.”
Kevin Lankinen understands that rationale.
The Canucks goaltender also reads books, including historical, spiritual and autobiographies, and reached out to Hughes about the benefits. After all, as the last line of defence, Lankinen could get consumed about a shot he should have stopped and when he may see the net again.
And as a captain, there are additional supportive responsibilities in the city for Hughes.
“I had this discussion with Quinn,” Lankinen told Postmedia before departing to join Finland at the 4-Nations Face-Off. “More just to do it because it’s so easy to get caught up in the every-day hustle and bustle of the NHL lifestyle.
“It’s good to have something outside of this bubble to put your mind and nervous system in a totally relaxed state. It’s activating your brain in a different way.
“We’re human and my philosophy is when you come to the rink you want to be the best your can be. And sometimes, you need to recharge that part. (Books) give you the battery.”