Filip Chytil's Upcoming Debut For Rangers Is An Age-Old Accomplishment 2
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Filip Chytil #72 of the New York Rangers carries the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period during a preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center on September 26, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

When rookie Filip Chytil takes the ice Thursday at Madison Square Garden, he will be the youngest New York Rangers player to debut for the team in over 40 years.

Opening day is less than a week away and the New York Rangers are ready and raring to go.

Even more ready is Filip Chytil, the rookie center who will be making his NHL debut.

History in the making. That’s what will happen when rookie Filip Chytil takes the ice against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night.

A few months ago, no one had heard of Chytil when the Rangers drafted him in the first round of this year’s NHL Entry Draft. Fast forward three months and what seems like an impossibility is now a reality. When the 2017-18 team is announced Thursday night, Chytil will have his name heard and history will have been made. As @HockeyStatMiner tweeted, Chytil will be the youngest Ranger to debut with the team since Don Raleigh in 1943.

Some famous Rangers have debuted with the team, such as John Vanbiesbrouck (18years, 3 months old), Captain Dave Maloney at (18 years, 4 months old) but Chytil (18 years, 1 month old) will be the youngest in over 40 years in Rangers history and the fourth-youngest in the last 72 years.

This confirms he has the talent to play with the big boys of the National Hockey League. Fans are hoping he can make some more history with the team as his promising career begins this week.

A graduate of St. John's University class of '91. I have been a fan of the New York Rangers since the days of Peter Puck. Founder of Ranger Proud, the Facebook page that covers all news, notes, pre /post-game stats, and player quotes. I can be reached at [email protected]