Filip Chytil’s return to the ice didn’t last long before he was forced off again in a painful and worrying fashion. The 25-year-old forward, now with the Vancouver Canucks, was hit hard from behind during a game on Saturday night, March 15, 2025, against the Chicago Blackhawks.
This happened late in the third period of a game that the Canucks were winning 6-2. Despite the clear impact of the hit and Chytil’s collapse on the ice, no penalty was called, and frustration grew among Canucks players and fans.
The hit came when Chytil had just passed the puck near the boards. Chicago’s Jason Dickinson struck him from behind, sending Chytil’s head sharply into the glass before he fell to the ice.
At first, Chytil stayed down. He tried to get up but stumbled and fell again. Finally, he got to his feet and made his way to the bench and then the locker room. He did not return to the game.
- Filip Chytil is in concussion protocol after a hit from behind in Saturday’s game against the Blackhawks and will miss at least the next game.
- Chytil has a history of head injuries, including multiple concussions, which heightens concerns about his health following this latest incident.
- The hit was not penalized, sparking frustration and questions over player safety, especially as the Canucks fight to secure a playoff spot.
Coach Tocchet: “It Was a Pretty Bad Hit”
After the game, Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet shared that he had no update from the medical staff.
He simply said, “It was a pretty bad hit so we’ll see how he is.” Tocchet also explained that officials didn’t give him any reason for not calling a penalty on the play.
On Sunday, ahead of a game against the Utah Hockey Club, Tocchet addressed the media again. He did not directly use the word “concussion,” but it was clear something was wrong.
He said, “I talked to him today a little bit. He felt OK, nothing great. He’ll go through the every day to see how he feels type of thing. He has had a few concussions in the past and we’ll see how this thing turns out. Sometimes, they can rapidly turn, so you’ve got to stay positive.”
Chytil has now been placed in concussion protocol, and his condition will be closely monitored over the next 48 hours. The team will then decide whether to take him on an upcoming six-game road trip.
A Long History of Head Injuries
Chytil’s latest injury is deeply worrying because it’s not the first time he has dealt with a possible concussion. Last season, he missed 72 regular season games due to a concussion.
He tried to return in January 2024 but had a setback, believed to be another head injury. He came back during the playoffs but didn’t score a point in six games and was clearly not at his best.
This season, Chytil started strong in the New York Rangers training camp. He was healthy and focused, centering the third line.
But on November 14, he collided with teammate K’Andre Miller and missed seven games with what was called an upper-body injury. Doctors said it was not a concussion, but many still had doubts.
In 41 games with the Rangers this season before being traded to Vancouver on January 31, 2025, Chytil had 11 goals and 9 assists, totaling 20 points. He was averaging 14 minutes and 20 seconds of ice time per game.
Since the trade, Chytil has played 15 games with the Canucks, scoring 2 goals and adding 4 assists for a total of 6 points. His plus-minus rating stands at -11; he has gone scoreless in his last six games. His ice time has increased to about 16 minutes per game, but his production has dropped.
Chytil has played 393 NHL regular-season games in his career, scoring 77 goals and 93 assists for 170 points. His best season came in 2022-23 with the Rangers, when he had 22 goals and 23 assists in 74 games. He has also played in 36 Stanley Cup Playoff games, scoring 8 goals and 5 assists.
Canucks’ Playoff Fight Faces a Setback
The Canucks are fighting for a playoff spot and cannot afford to lose key players. Their record stands at 31 wins, 24 losses, and 11 overtime losses, giving them 73 points.
They are fourth in the Pacific Division and holding onto the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. With only a few games left, every point matters. Losing Chytil, even for a few games, could hurt their playoff chances.
Canucks play-by-play announcer Brendan Batchelor spoke on Sportsnet 650, quoting Tocchet: “Chytil felt okay today, but is in the protocol. They’ll see how he is over the next 48 hours before deciding if he’ll go on the trip.”
The Canucks are also on a two-game win streak and will need strong performances in their upcoming games. Chytil’s absence could affect their chances as they prepare to face tough opponents on the road.
No Penalty, No Explanation, No Protection
The hit that sent Chytil to the locker room has raised serious questions. Jason Dickinson hit him from behind, Chytil went headfirst into the boards, and officials said nothing.
No call was made, no penalty was given, and no reason was shared. Naturally, the silence has angered many, especially knowing Chytil’s history with concussions.
Chytil was, understandably, upset as he left the ice, and many fans were, too. The NHL’s rules on player safety are meant to protect players in situations like this, but many feel the rules were not followed.
Hits like Dickinson’s can end careers, and without proper punishment, they are likely to happen again.
Chytil is now waiting for updates on his condition—for a player who has worked hard to stay on the ice, this is yet another painful setback, and the future is once again uncertain.
