2017 NHL Draft: Rangers Pick Filip Chytil #21 Overall

With the 21st Pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft the New York Rangers Have Selected Filip Chytil From the HC Zlin from the Czech Republic.

About Filip Chytil

Another player that wasn’t projected to be a first-round pick, Filip Chytil found a home as the New York Rangers scooped up the 17-year-old forward with the 21st pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. Chytil spent time playing against the men in the Czech league with HC Zlin which could help Chytil in his overall development. He can play multiple forward positions and plays strong hockey without the puck.

In 38 games with HC Zlin in 2016-17 the young forward was able to collect four goals and eight points, but unmeasurable experience for his hockey career.

THW Prospect Profile Excerpt:

Born 10 days before the deadline, smooth-skating Filip Chytil is one the youngest 2017 NHL Draft prospects. At 17 years old, Chytil played in the Czech Elite league last season. The experience could provide invaluable experience for the teenager as he prepares to enter the professional ranks in North America. He also stood out in several international 18-and-under tournaments last season. Chytil collected three points in four outings, helping the Czech Republic claim a gold medal at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup.

With experience at center and left wing, Chytil utilizes a smooth skating style and slick puck-handling skills to create scoring chances. His speed and determination allow him to be a dependable defender. Known for being strong in transition, Chytil often creates turnovers with deft stickwork and high-level hockey IQ.

Filip Chytil, New York Rangers, NHL Draft
Filip Chytil was a surprise for most at 21 as the Rangers took the 17-year-old. (Jiri Zanat / Zlin Press)

Chytil’s footspeed is a priority for opposing defenders. He has a powerful first stride and accelerates quickly through the neutral zone. Aided by elite speed, Chytil is capable of racing past opponents on outside rushes. Despite not possessing tremendous upper-body strength, Chytil is gritty on defense. He wins puck battles and is strong on his skates.

While slightly undersized, Chytil’s offensive instincts helped him score four goals among eight points in 38 regular-season games with HC Zlin last season. Entrusted with penalty-kill responsibilities at the international levels, Chytil displayed good poke-checking skills and proved responsible with zone play. It’s time for him to hit the weight room.

Full player profile can be found here.

How This Affects the New York Rangers’ Plans

Chytil won’t be over in North America just yet and likely won’t have any kind of effect on the Rangers’ organization in the foreseeable future. That being said, if he can continue to develop at a high-level of playing – including developing his offensive numbers – the Rangers could bring the 17-year-old over sooner rather than later.