The New York Rangers are gearing up to face the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday night, kicking off a four-game road trip. However, they’ll be without center Filip Chytil, who sustained an upper-body injury during Thursday’s 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks and remained in New York for evaluation.
Chytil’s absence brings notable adjustments to the Rangers’ lineup. Jonny Brodzinski will step into his spot on the third line, centering Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko. Additionally, filling Chytil’s role on the second power-play unit presents a challenge for coach Peter Laviolette.
At Sunday morning’s skate, the adjusted second power-play unit featured Cuylle, Alexis Lafreniere, Kaapo Kakko, Reilly Smith, and Zac Jones, with Jacob Trouba rotating in for Cuylle, creating a rare two-defenseman setup alongside Jones.
This shift provides Cuylle, who ranks fourth on the team with five goals and fifth with 11 points, an opportunity for expanded offensive contributions at just 22 years old.
“He’s had a really strong start to his year,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said Sunday about Will Cuylle. “I do see him as somebody who is probably eventually going to be a regular on a power-play unit, but we’ve got guys who have been there, and those decisions are tough to make. He should get some time tonight out there.”
However, Filip Chytil’s absence leaves the second power-play unit without a natural center. Kaapo Kakko is expected to step into the role for face-offs, having won 50% (4-of-8) of his attempts so far this season.
