Canucks' Chytil in concussion protocol, out vs. Utah
Vancouver Canucks forward Filip Chytil is in concussion protocol after taking a big hit from Chicago Blackhawks center Jason Dickinson, head coach Rick Tocchet announced Sunday.
"I talked to him today a little bit, felt OK, nothing great," he said. "He'll go through the every day, see how he feels type of thing."
The bench boss added: "He's had a few (concussions) in the past. We'll see how this one turns out. Sometimes these things can rapidly turn good, so you gotta stay positive on this."
Tocchet labeled Chytil as day-to-day for the time being. Though Chytil wasn't available for Sunday's 3-1 loss to Utah, he might be able to accompany the Canucks on their upcoming six-game road trip if he improves within the next 48 hours.
The 25-year-old exited late in the third period of Vancouver's 6-2 victory over Chicago on Saturday after Dickinson hit him into the boards from behind.
Chytil remained down on the ice for a few moments and stumbled during his first attempt to get up, though he was able to leave under his own power. There was no penalty called on the play.
"I try to tell our players, when you're about to hit a guy, if you see his name ... you gotta let up. ... Those are dangerous hits," Tocchet said Sunday.
Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood promised retribution for Dickinson's hit when the two teams meet next season.
"He's going to have to answer the bell next year because I know we don't play them again, but that was a dirty hit," he said Sunday, per Sportsnet 650's Brendan Batchelor. "Unnecessary, 6–2, and then he doesn't have the whatever to step on the ice afterwards. (Derek Forbort) asked him. It is what it is, we'll get him next year."
Chytil was limited to just 10 regular-season games with the New York Rangers in the 2023-24 campaign due to a suspected concussion and additional setbacks, though he did appear in six playoff games.
The Canucks acquired Chytil from the Rangers as part of the trade that sent J.T. Miller to the Big Apple in January.
Chytil chipped in with 11 goals and nine assists in 41 outings with New York to start the season and added six points in his first 15 games as a Canuck.