Main photo by: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports
It’s time for another bunch of NHL rumours for your Friday. We’re not just making trades as we get towards the March 3 trade deadline. General managers are also thinking about contracts and the July 1 start of free agency. New York Rangers GM Chris Drury has already been a busy man after making the Vladimir Tarasenko trade. However, Drury has to worry about getting a Filip Chytil contract done. Today’s NHL rumours takes a look at the possible difficulties.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Filip Chytil Contract Complications
Rumour: Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports that the Dylan Cozens deal he made with the Buffalo Sabres may have an impact on Chytil’s deal. Cozens got a $7.1 million deal for the next seven seasons earlier in the week. Buffalo did the Rangers no favours when inking that deal. Chytil will feel like he deserves a deal similar to or even better than what Cozens got.
Column. What is it going to take for the Rangers to keep Chytil? The Sabres sure haven't helped. https://t.co/RZIaPnrExE via @nypostsports
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) February 9, 2023
The young Czech forward has 19 goals in 43 games this season, but there are some complications. Chytil can score goals, but has a hard time staying in the lineup. The 23-year-old is a key part of the Rangers’ Kid Line with Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko. Chytil has become a dependable centre for the Blueshirts.
A Tough Negotiation for the Filip Chytil Contract
New York is well aware of not being able to lock down a young forward after a great season. The Rangers couldn’t keep Pavel Buchnevich and had to trade him to the St. Louis Blues because they didn’t have any cap room. Drury might have another situation just like that if he isn’t careful.
Many thought the K’Andre Miller contract would be the tough part of the Rangers’ summer. However, Chytil might become priority number one for Drury. The Rangers also need to find a way to keep Lafreniere and possibly make a run at Tarasenko. It might be a wild summer at Madison Square Garden.
