VANCOUVER – Czech hockey forward Filip Chytil will miss the start of the new NHL season due to a shoulder injury. The 27-year-old player for the Vancouver Canucks was injured in Thursday's pre-season game against Edmonton, which he did not finish after an unfortunate fall into the boards. The club does not currently expect a long absence, but his condition will be regularly monitored by general manager Ryan Johnson.
Chytil lost his balance after tripping over the referee's skate and then collided heavily with the boards. He fell directly onto his shoulder, raising concerns about a more serious injury. However, according to Johnson, initial information suggests a muscle strain.
“Although it looked ominous because he landed directly on his shoulder, it appears to be more of a strained muscle,” said the Canucks general manager to Canadian media.
The medical team will assess Chytil's condition at weekly intervals. Therefore, the exact duration of his absence is not yet known. Vancouver is also losing a player whose recent years have been significantly affected by a series of health problems before the start of the season.
The native of Kroměříž has experienced several concussions, migraines, and other injuries in the upper body. In the past three seasons, he has therefore only played 78 NHL games. Last season, he played only 12 games for Vancouver. In February, he also had to temporarily interrupt training after being hit in the face by a puck.
Chytil made his NHL debut nine years ago. During his career, he has also played for the New York Rangers, from where he subsequently moved to Vancouver. His priority now will be to return to full training and then to game fitness. The club will decide on his health status based on the progress of treatment and the results of regular check-ups.
Antonína Veselá