Vancouver Canucks 2026-27 Player Projections: Filip Chytil

Chytil was progressing toward a return in mid-February, but unfortunately took a puck to the head in practice on Feb. 18. He suffered facial fractures as a result and eventually missed the rest of the season.

The good news is, Chytil was seen skating after practices in April and told the media he was optimistic that he would be ready for training camp: “There’s been so much what I went through in the last two years, which was very complicated, but yeah, I feel very good now. I was happy that I could join the group and skate with them, and yeah, I’m 100% confident coming to the training camp and that everything’s gonna be okay.”

Expectations/Role for 2026-27

If that ends up being the case, Chytil could still be a big part of the rebuild. He turns 27 years old on Sept. 5, right in the middle of his athletic prime, and the perfect age for a team in transition. Health will be his biggest expectation, along with avoiding another concussion, which would be the seventh of his career.

As for Chytil’s role heading into 2026-27, it’s kind of up in the air. There are a lot of centres on the roster, including Elias Pettersson, Marco Rossi, Aatu Raty, Paul Cotter, and Max Sasson, so he might have to move to the wing to play in the top nine. If that happens, maybe a spot next to Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk is in the cards. His speed and transition game made a difference in the Canucks’ attack in the 27 games he’s played, which could create more room in the offensive zone for the two slower forwards.

2026-27 Projections

If Chytil stays healthy, and that’s a big if, he’s capable of scoring 20 goals and recording 40-50 points. The last time he played almost a full season, he posted a career-high 22 goals and 45 points, so when he’s available and not injured, he’s a proven scorer. As mentioned, his speed is also a huge asset in the lineup, as it changes how the Canucks play and attack the neutral zone.

Chytil’s floor this season should be to play close to 84 games. Regardless of the goals and points he puts up, that’s a positive step forward, not only for his career, but his lifestyle after he retires. Concussion should not be a word we say or write at any time involving Chytil in 2026-27.

As for Chytil’s ceiling, well, it has to be 20-25 goals and upwards of 60-70 points. If he can hit career-highs across the board, the Canucks can either sign him to an extension before he hits free agency in July, or trade him and get something close to what they had to give up in Miller.

Other 2026-27 Player Projections

• Thatcher Demko
• Kevin Lankinen
• Nikita Tolopilo
• Braeden Cootes
• Brock Boeser