Being traded to the right team at the right time can revitalize a player’s career.
His trajectory with the New York Rangers was trending downward as a third-line center, with little chance of surpassing Vincent Trocheck or Mika Zibanejad in the top two pivot roles. At 25, he found himself at a pivotal point in his career.
So when the opportunity came in a multi-asset trade with the Vancouver Canucks—offering more ice time and confidence—he embraced it wholeheartedly and wasn’t shy about expressing his excitement.
Meanwhile, J.T. Miller, who went the other way in the trade, felt “crazy lucky that everything worked out” in New York, highlighting another notable reaction to the deal.
It’s common for traded players to acknowledge their former teams with gratitude on social media. Filip Chytil did just that, thanking the Rangers, their fans, and his time in New York. However, one line from his Instagram post on Tuesday stood out:
“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!”
That part was later removed in a retweet from a New York-based account, which could be interpreted as a subtle dig or just a lighthearted comment. Regardless, it’s clear Chytil is embracing his fresh start and is eager to help his new team push for the playoffs, while also reuniting with fellow Czech Filip Hronek.
Determined to prove he belongs in the top six and move past concerns over past concussions affecting his durability, Chytil arrived in Vancouver with a fresh mindset.
He wasted no time making an impact, bringing size, speed, strong puck control through the neutral zone, and precise playmaking—all elements the Canucks needed.
In his first four games, Chytil has registered three points (1G, 3A), averaged 18:40 of ice time, and posted a 57.1% success rate in the faceoff circle.
His abilities were on full display on Feb. 2 against the Detroit Red Wings, when he forced overtime with a clutch goal while logging 20:03 of ice time—nearly six minutes more than his New York average.
“There were players in front of me and behind me, and no clear shooting lane right away,” Chytil said after the game, having also won nine of 12 faceoffs. “I held onto the puck as long as I could and was happy it went in. That moment meant a lot—so many emotions were running through my head.”
And plenty of anticipation in Vancouver.
Chytil had been on the Canucks’ radar for years, and finally landing in a place that truly wanted him is a major confidence boost.
“If that interest was there in past years, it’s nice to hear now,” he said. “I feel great in this moment. There’s still a lot to improve, especially my defense and faceoffs, but it’s all part of the process. I believe in hard work, and each day I’m getting better.”