In a promising development for the Vancouver Canucks, centre Filip Chytil has taken a significant step forward in his recovery from a concussion. Chytil, who has been sidelined since mid-October, participated in the team's morning skate on Saturday at Rogers Arena ahead of their game against the San Jose Sharks.
A Positive Step in a Long Recovery
Chytil took to the ice wearing a red non-contact jersey, a standard protocol for players returning from injury. While there is no official timeline for his return to game action, his presence at the skate represents a decided step forward for the 26-year-old forward. He has been limited to just six appearances in Vancouver's first 36 games this season.
The injury occurred on October 19 during a game in Washington, when Chytil was on the receiving end of a hit from Capitals winger Tom Wilson. This latest incident is part of a concerning history of head injuries for the player. Entering this season, Chytil was reported to have suffered five concussions in his career.
Coach and Player Express Optimism
Canucks head coach Adam Foote monitored Chytil closely during the session and shared an encouraging exchange. "I asked how he was doing at one point, and got back: 'I feel so good,'" Foote recounted. The coach emphasized the psychological boost for both the individual and the team, stating, "Just for him, as an individual in his career, it's great to see. To see a smile gives you as a coach and as a team a lift."
Foote also noted the significance of Chytil handling the environment, saying, "For him to get through all this movement at once with the bright arena lights on, I felt was a good sign."
A Career Marred by Head Injuries
Chytil's concussion issues have significantly impacted his recent seasons. Last year, while with the New York Rangers, he managed only 10 regular-season games in the 2023-24 campaign due to a concussion, though he did return for playoff action. His tenure with the Canucks began when he was acquired from the Rangers on January 25, 2025, as part of the trade involving J.T. Miller.
Unfortunately, his time in Vancouver has also been interrupted. He missed the final 16 games of last season after sustaining another concussion. A first-round pick (21st overall) by the Rangers in the 2017 NHL Draft, Chytil has played 399 regular-season games in his career.
His draft class peer, Canucks star Elias Pettersson, was set to play his 500th game on the same Saturday Chytil skated. As of that morning, New Jersey Devils centre Nico Hischier led their draft class with 564 games played.
The Canucks and their fans will be hoping this morning skate is the first of many positive steps as Filip Chytil works his way back to full health and a return to the lineup.
