BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — The 2017-18 hockey season is all about learning for Rangers first-round pick Filip Chytil: adjusting to the speed and physicality of the game in a new country and playing with brand new teammates.
And then there are the off-ice lessons, which the 18-year-old center, who was drafted 21st overall in June, is taking in stride.
“You’re now paying your own bills, you’re responsible for your own laundry, you’re responsible for your groceries — all life skills that you have to learn as a young player,” AHL Hartford coach Keith McCambridge said.
After making the Rangers’ opening-day roster out of camp and playing the first two games of his pro career in the NHL, the organization had a decision to make: send Chytil to the Wolf Pack in Hartford, Conn., or back to his native Czech Republic to play for HC Zlin. They chose the AHL. While he certainly misses home, Chytil is grateful for the chance to stay stateside.
“We decided I’ll stay here and I think it’s better for my development. I think it can help me be in the NHL,” Chytil, who had five goals and seven assists in 15 games entering Wednesday, told The Post. “I’m glad I’m here because it’s great for young players. I’m looking forward to the second half of the season.”
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That unofficially began Wednesday when Chytil returned to play for Hartford in a 2-1 shootout win over Bridgeport at Webster Bank Arena. It was his first game back since playing for the Czech Republic at the World Junior Championship tournament.
McCambridge said he liked the way Chytil played in the tournament and also his attitude in the days surrounding it.
“We found right before he went over to the world juniors, there was a little bit of excitement in him and since he’s come back here, [from] the chance to spend time with his countrymen,” McCambridge said. “He always has a smile on his face, but even more so.”
Chytil also got to spend some time with the Rangers’ other 2017 first-round pick, Lias Andersson, the No. 7 selection, who captained the Swedish team.
Now back to life in the AHL where Chytil is getting used to the different style of play.
“The biggest thing that jumps out with Fil is the skill set, the ability to make plays in traffic, the vision when he has the puck, seeing the ice, in the offensive zone the anticipation of where the next play is going to be made,” McCambridge said. “Part of him learning this North American game is making sure that — tendencies when guys come over from Europe is they’re going away from the puck instead of coming towards the puck, because obviously you have more room to wind up with regards to your speed with the ice-surface difference.”
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Chytil has battled through some minor injuries this season, but was back in the starting lineup playing alongside Ryan Gropp and Scott Kosmachuk.
“Sometimes you catch yourself and you have to take a step back and look to see that he is only 18,” McCambridge said. “But we like the growth that he’s made and we’re real happy he’s made the decision to play over here in North America with us.”
Just months after Chytil was drafted, he got the chance to live out his childhood dream of playing in the NHL. But after getting a quick taste, he wants to punch his return ticket to Broadway.
“I want to be back,” Chytil said. “It’s the best league in the world. I played against players like [Nathan] MacKinnon or Auston Matthews and I watched them last year on the TV. [This year] I played against them. I want to be like them and I’m doing everything to be a better player and be there as soon as possible.”