Welcome to an off-season segment for your New York Rangers! It ultimately did not end the way the organization wanted it to, but there was a lot of jog and excitement to say the least. It is summer time for the Rangers, but that does not mean we cannot reminisce on the season. Today we will look at a Filip Chytil offseason grade. Check out the other New York Rangers offseason grades.
New York Rangers Offseason Grades
Report Card: Filip Chytil
This New York Rangers offseason grade is special. Yes, you always root for the home team, but you also have a soft spot for certain players. Seeing homegrown talent climb the ranks and make a name for themselves holds special sentiment. One of those players is Filip Chytil. After a strong season last year, he went on to have a great season. Chytil is 1/3 of the third line that has been quite productive this year as a trio. As for the individual player, a lot of to be loved about Chytil. In fact, his play was so good that he earned himself a contract extension to remain in New York.
The Season
When looking into this season, there is plenty to be happy about. The outcome was not what the organization wanted, but promise is there. Last year was encouraging given his production in the regular season and playoffs. But this year was a career year for the young centre. Chytil went on to score 22 goals, 23 assists, and 45 points. His playmaking ability was great to see as over half of his assists were primary. He went on to finish eighth in points among all Rangers skaters. What’s crazy is that his goal totals this year was his point totals from last year. What a major improvement from the young centre. However, his faceoff win percentage was below 50% this year. It will be an area he will look to improve on when next season comes around. What was really eye opening was his 12.4 shooting percentage (5th on the team). Good things happened with him on the ice. Chytil was on the ice for 62% of the goals and his expected goals percentage was 53%.
Chytil was an opportunistic player that showed growth and promise in his game.
The Playoffs
As for the other members on his line, this New York Rangers offseason grade does not take a dive here. Chytil made a name for himself last playoffs as did the entire line. It was a treat to watch as the younger guys stepped up when they need to as the club made a deep run. However, there was no deep run this season. Chytil went ahead and scored one goal and had four points. That was good for fourth on the team. However, compared to the regular season, he went 60% in the faceoff circle. A major improvement from the regular season despite the sample size. Generating a lot was not much of an option given the way New Jersey played, but he made it count. It may not have been the results everyone wanted, but there were bright spots within.
The Verdict
This New York Rangers offseason grade is deserving. It is truly great to see young homegrown talent thrive and get better. That is happening with Chytil. Chytil has emerged as a legit centre in this league. Like successful teams of the past, the club is now deep down the middle. A trio of Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck and now Chytil gives them depth. Huge for whoever the next coach is. You can argue that Chytil can centre the second line. But a team with cup aspirations, this is great for the future.
Verdict: B
Main Photo: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
