Filip Chytil makes a surprise return to Rangers' practice; playoffs not ruled out

TARRYTOWN - The Rangers took the ice for Friday's practice at the MSG Training Center with a surprise player in the fold.

Filip Chytil, who hasn't played since Nov. 2 due to a suspected concussion and later complications, was skating with the team as a full participant after being medically cleared earlier than anticipated.

"It's great to have him back out there," head coach Peter Laviolette said. "Looks like he had a lot of fun."

The 24-year-old center took part in every drill during the 30-minute session and stayed on late for extra work with skills coach Christian Hmura. He was also greeted warmly by teammates, who gave him a hearty round of stick taps and cheers as he led the post-practice huddle.

“He’s a really important player for us,” star forward Artemi Panarin said. “It’s nice to have him, especially at this time. He’s doing pretty well, I feel. Physically, he looks ready. Everyone is happy for him.”

The Rangers ruled Chytil out for the remainder of the season following a scary setback during a morning skate on Jan. 26, but he's made steady progress since then and expressed his desire to resume skating with the team, one person with knowledge of the situation told lohud.com, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Of course, there are still hurdles to clear for the 24-year-old center, who has sustained at least four concussions in his career, according to a league source. The Blueshirts will surely take a cautious approach, but another source indicated that a return at some point during the upcoming playoffs is not being ruled out if all goes well.

"He’s at a point where he's been training, and he's now able to come back and join us," said Laviolette, who quickly added, "We're not going to rush him back. Whenever he feels and the eyes on him feel and the powers that be feel that he's in a good spot, that's a different story. But right now, there's absolutely no timetable."

Getting Chytil back at any time would a major boost for the Rangers, who have lost two in a row but remain atop the NHL standings with two games to play. He could slot back into his usual third-line center position, or even bump up and try to solve the right-wing dilemma on the top line with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.

But that might be putting the cart before the horse. The primary concern is Chytil's health and susceptibility to future head injuries, with his previous comeback attempt serving as a reminder of how delicate the situation is.

That's why Laviolette said they're treating this "a little bit different" than they would a typical injury.

"This player is coming back from something that is substantial," he said. "He has not been on the ice with us, and we want to make sure that he is fit and ready to play and ready to have a positive impact in the game. The fact that he's back doesn't necessarily mean he's ready for a game."

When he plays, the speedy 6-foot-2, 208-pounder has proven to be a difference-maker.

He's coming off a career-high 22-goal season, which earned him a four-year, $17.75 million extension, and was off to a solid start with six assists and a 55.23% xGF, according to Evolving Hockey, through his first 10 games this season.

Chytil remains on long-term injured reserve, but the Rangers could activate him for the playoffs without any salary cap restrictions.

Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the New York Rangers beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Read more of his work at lohud.com/sports/rangers/ and follow him on Twitter @vzmercogliano.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Filip Chytil makes a surprise return to Rangers' practice;