The New York Rangers announced on Tuesday morning that they have assigned 18-year-old center Filip Chytil to the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Chytil appeared in two of the Rangers’ first three games this season. He did not record a point and had a minus-2 rating.
New York selected Chytil 21st overall in the 2017 draft out of Zlin in the Czech Republic, just 14 picks after the nabbed Swedish phenom Lias Andersson with the No. 7 pick.
While Andersson went back to Sweden to continue working on his game, Chytil made the big club out of camp, though it’s understandable why he didn’t last too long.
The Rangers had a limited time to see what he had in the NHL. If Chytil had played in 10 games this season, it would have counted as his entire rookie season.
He might not be done moving, though.
Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault told the media (h/t NHL.com’s Dan Rosen) that Chytil will be examined after his first few games with Hartford. If the team still views him as an NHL option, he will likely stay in the minors for the time being. If not, there is a chance that he will head back to the Czech Republic to continue developing his game.
Chytil’s departure opens up a spot for Jesper Fast, who has started the season recovering from a hip injury. Meanwhile, the team claimed Adam Cracknell off waivers on Monday, who could fill in if Fast is unable to go yet.
New York has dropped two of its first three games and will host the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
