New York Rangers: Filip Chytil To Sit Out Vs. Devils
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Filip Chytil walks to the stage after being selected 21st overall by the New York Rangers during the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

According to reports, Filip Chytil will be nursing a groin injury over the weekend. With cuts looming, will this be a deterrent for the strong Czech making the roster?

After another impressive preseason game by New York Rangers prospect Filip Chytil, the first-round pick will once again be sidelined by a groin injury and miss tonight’s preseason game against the New Jersey Devils.

Per Newsday‘s Steve Zipay, head coach Alain Vigneault said the youngster “overcompensated” for his groin strain, but that he’ll practice on Monday.

This is an unfortunate break for such a promising young player, Chytil has now posted a goal and an assist in two preseason matches, both points coming on the power play.

While he still has plenty of room to develop, Chytil has certainly looked the part of a top-six forward already at such a young age. His ability to protect the puck in one-on-one situations stands out as an area he’ll need to focus on, though this is often the hardest adjustment for young players to make.

The skill, speed, and vision is already all there at a high level, so we can only hope this won’t hinder his momentum. Vigneault seems to be testing him as well, putting him on the ice in high-pressure faceoff situations and killing penalties.

Neal Purcell has a tremendous passion for New York Rangers hockey and the sport of hockey in general. A graduate of SUNY Cortland in Upstate NY, Purcell coaches both a high school hockey team and a travel team in the winter. Purcell is also a part of a small family business in the Central New York Region.