Vancouver Canucks Centre Filip Chytil Sidelined Indefinitely After Practice Injury
Vancouver Canucks centre Filip Chytil has been diagnosed with a facial fracture and is out indefinitely, marking another unfortunate chapter in his injury-riddled NHL season. The 26-year-old forward was struck by a puck during a practice drill at the University of British Columbia on Wednesday, adding to a series of health setbacks that have plagued his performance.
Details of the Incident and Season Struggles
The injury occurred when a slapshot from teammate Brock Boeser deflected off a skate and then ricocheted off the Plexiglas before hitting Chytil in the face. Boeser expressed concern after practice, stating, "That's scary, any time you see something like that. I just hope it's nothing too bad. You don't want to see somebody go down in a practice like that." This incident follows Chytil's recent return to practice on Tuesday in a non-contact jersey after battling migraine headaches.
Chytil's 2025-26 season has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games with three points (3 goals, 0 assists). In the previous season, he played only 15 games, recording six points (2 goals, 4 assists). His challenges began on October 19, 2025, when he suffered a concussion from a blindside hit by Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals, causing him to miss 44 games.
Broader Impact on Canucks' Roster and Recovery Timeline
The Canucks' centre depth is now under scrutiny as they prepare to resume regular-season play against the Winnipeg Jets on February 25 at Rogers Arena. With Chytil sidelined, options include Elias Pettersson, Marco Rossi, Teddy Blueger, Max Sasson, and Aatu Raty. Rossi, who recently returned to practice after blocking a shot in December and experiencing a rehab setback, expressed optimism about his health, saying, "I feel 100 percent for the first time since I've been here."
Chytil's injury history extends beyond the concussion and facial fracture. On February 2, he played just 7:36 against the Utah Mammoth, appearing slow and finishing with a minus-3 rating, before migraine symptoms emerged. His shift to left wing to alleviate centre responsibilities may have contributed to the migraines due to increased physical demands.
As the Canucks navigate this latest setback, Chytil's indefinite absence underscores the physical toll of professional hockey and the team's need for resilience in a competitive season.
