Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet voiced a deeply concerning admission about Filip Chytil’s season after the 25-year-old suffered a concussion on March 15 against the Chicago Blackhawks. As the former New York Rangers‘ forward remains out of the lineup, Tocchet’s update on Elias Pettersson’s teammate was far from encouraging.
The Canucks are looking to get back in the win column as they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive in the 2024-25 NHL season. However, they are in a tough spot as they continue to miss key players in their lineup.
While Pettersson and Vancouver gear up for their upcoming matchup with the Seattle Kraken, Tocchet delivered a strong statement on Chytil’s head injury which has been sidelined the former Rangers‘ player since mid-March.
Chytil arrived in Vancity from The Big Apple after a dramatic campaign with the Blueshirts, but his time with the Canucks hasn’t been any more relaxing or enjoyable.
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet looks on during the third period of their NHL game against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena on October 9, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Unfortunately, he sustained a concussion against the Blackhawks after a bone-chilling head-first hit into the boards. As Chytil stumbled and looked dizzy upon standing up, concerns about his health resurfaced, and his coach’s latest update doesn’t indicate positive signs for the young player.
see also
NHL News: Canucks’ Rick Tocchet makes honest admission after shootout loss to Blue Jackets
“Filip Chytil is likely done for the year,” Tocchet told reporters, per Offside reporter Noah Strang. “The odds are against {Chytil playing again this year].”
Health concerns
With this season’s injury, Chytil has now been in concussion protocol five times during his young NHL career. This fact has raised many eyebrows and concerns about his health, and many are worried about his career and whether he should hang the skates.
When asked about the concerns surrounding Chytil’s career, or the long-term effects in his personal life, Tocchet stated: “I don’t know because I talked to him today and he says it was different than his last concussion. The bad days aren’t as bad so that’s a positive.”
Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks waits for a face off during the first period of their NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena on November 9, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
During the 2023-24 NHL season, Chytil (then with the Rangers) missed most of the campaign due to a serious concussion. He played just ten regular-season games before returning for the playoffs, where he appeared in six games but failed to register a point.
see also
Rangers HC Peter Laviolette makes surprising decision about rookie star Gabe Perreault ahead of NHL debut
Pettersson’s injury
Elias Pettersson continues his recovery journey after sustaining an upper-body injury during March 22’s clash with J.T. Miller’s Rangers. During his media availability, Tocchet spoke about the alternate captain in Vancouver.
SurveyWill the Vancouver Canucks make the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
Will the Vancouver Canucks make the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
already voted 0 people
“Elias Pettersson has skated once or twice but is still dealing with discomfort from an upper body injury and is day to day,” Tocchet said, via Sportsnet 650 reporter Brendan Batchelor on X.
