Vancouver Canucks forward Filip Chytil was ruled out of Thursday’s preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers after he accidentally tripped over referee Riley Brace’s skates and collided head first into the end boards.
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Vancouver Canucks forward Filip Chytil left Thursday’s preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers after an accidental collision during play. The Canucks confirmed that Chytil would not return to the game following the incident.
The play occurred when Chytil reportedly tripped over the back of referee Riley Brace’s skates, leading to a head-first collision with the end boards. The team did not provide any update on the precise nature or severity of Chytil’s injury.
Canucks personnel have offered no further specifics since the incident, but the circumstances drew attention given Chytil’s injury history—particularly with head-related issues. In his NHL career, Chytil has already been diagnosed with five concussions, according to the details provided with the report.
Last season, Chytil missed 44 games with an upper-body injury, according to the information available. He also missed at least one additional game due to a migraine. Later in the season, he suffered a facial fracture after being struck by a deflected shot while standing by the side of the net during a team practice.
The combination of absences limited Chytil’s output with Vancouver. He appeared in 12 games last season, tallying three goals and no assists.
Vancouver acquired Chytil in a trade midway through the 2024-25 season. The Canucks obtained Chytil, along with defenceman Victor Mancini and a conditional first-round pick, from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward T.J. Miller, defenceman Erik Brannstrom, and defenceman Jackson Dorrington.
After the deal, Chytil played 15 games for the Canucks, recording two goals and four assists for six points. As Vancouver looks ahead to the current season, the team will be watching closely for any impact on his health and readiness following Thursday’s collision.
At 27 years old, Chytil is entering the final season of a four-year, $17.75 million contract. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason, a timeline that adds to the importance of his availability as the preseason continues and the regular season approaches.
Chytil’s contract status and recent history also frame the urgency of the Canucks’ next medical update. With no injury diagnosis provided immediately after the incident, it remains unclear whether Thursday’s collision will affect his participation beyond the current game.
For Vancouver fans, the most immediate question is whether the play will trigger another extended absence. The Canucks’ early-season preparation will depend on how quickly Chytil can be evaluated and cleared to practice and play, particularly given the reported pattern of injuries during his NHL tenure.
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