Vancouver Canucks centre Filip Chytil encountered another setback in a season marred by health issues when he was struck in the face by a puck during a practice session on Wednesday at the University of British Columbia. The incident occurred as the team engaged in a mini-game, with a slapshot from teammate Brock Boeser ricocheting off the plexiglass and hitting Chytil directly. He immediately doubled over in pain, holding his head as he was assisted off the ice, prompting concerns about a possible fracture.
Details of the Practice Incident
According to Canucks head coach Adam Foote, the puck had an unpredictable trajectory, deflecting off a skate before skipping and striking Chytil. Foote noted that he did not have a clear view of the impact but expressed hope that the plexiglass may have slowed the puck's velocity. Chytil, who was already wearing a red non-contact jersey due to recent migraine headaches, is now scheduled for X-rays to assess the extent of the facial injury. Boeser described the moment as "scary" and emphasized his concern for Chytil's well-being, stating that such accidents are particularly distressing during practice.
Chytil's Troubled Season
This latest injury adds to a difficult year for the 26-year-old centre, who has a documented history of concussions. Earlier in the season, he missed 44 games after a blindside hit on October 19 in Washington, D.C. His return to play has been slow, with limited ice time and performance struggles, including a recent game against the Utah Mammoth where he logged only 7:36 minutes and finished with a minus-3 rating. The team had recently shifted him to left wing to alleviate the defensive demands of his usual centre position, but this move may have contributed to his migraine symptoms due to increased physical contact along the boards.
Team and Coach Reactions
Coach Foote and Boeser both highlighted the unfortunate nature of the accident, with Foote explaining the sequence of deflections that led to the impact. The Canucks are awaiting medical results to determine Chytil's recovery timeline, as this incident could further delay his return to full gameplay. This development comes at a critical time for the team, which is navigating roster decisions and injury management ahead of key matches.
Overall, Chytil's persistent injury challenges underscore the physical risks inherent in professional hockey, even during routine practices. The Canucks will need to monitor his condition closely as they balance player safety with competitive demands in the ongoing NHL season.
