Oft-injured Rangers star ‘changes dynamic’ of Canucks in lineup return

Former New York Rangers forward Filip Chytil returned to the Vancouver Canucks lineup on Thursday, registering an assist in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers. Canucks coach Manny Malhotra praised Chytil's impact, stating his ability to transport the puck changes the dynamic of the team. Chytil skated 18:30 in his season debut after missing the first eight games of the 2026-27 NHL campaign.

The 27-year-old had been sidelined since September after suffering a shoulder injury in a collision with referee Riley Brace during a preseason contest. Chytil, who was traded to Vancouver in January 2025 as part of the J.T. Miller deal, has endured a history of significant injuries throughout his NHL career, including multiple concussions and a fractured cheekbone.