Filip Chytil, the Rangers' other 2017 first-rounder, is expected to represent the Czech Republic at the WJC, though the country is not taking part in the Summer Showcase.
Rangers European Scout Jan Gajdosik watched Chytil several times over the past few weeks, including this week when the Czechs faced Finland in two exhibition games, in which Chytil scored in each contest. He spoke with NYRangers.com via email about what he saw from the 17-year-old during this stretch, as well as his assessment of his play at the team's development camp last month.
NYR: What is your overall assessment of how Filip has played in the games during the last few weeks?
JG: Filip had a tremendous start to the new season playing against Switzerland U20 and Finland U20. In every game [he played four total] he was the best player on the ice or at least among the best players. He played with lots of confidence, showed very good hockey sense and skating. It was a pleasure to see him dominate.
NYR: How has Filip handled playing against the best players in his age group (or slightly older) in the past?
JG: He's shown terrific progress in his game in the last 12 months. He always handled the games with confidence, paid attention to details of the game, showed very good game understanding and speed. Recently, he scored twice and added a pair of assists in four games these last two weeks.
NYR: How has played against men helped Filip's development? Has he had to make any adjustments in playing against older players?
JG: When he started in the men's league, he had to learn how to play defense and use his body more, but he adjusted very quickly and after a few weeks, he became a solid two-way player in the Czech Elite League. He is the type of player who adjusts quickly and gets to a higher level when he plays with more experienced players. He adjusts quickly to a better level of hockey.
NYR: How do you think he did during development camp the week after he was drafted?
JG: Filip played very well in his first ever North American camp. He enjoyed his first taste of North American hockey very much. His feeling was the smaller rinks in North America are a better fit for his game in the future. He felt honored and happy to wear the Blueshirts uniform. He became a proud Ranger very quickly. It was an excellent first development camp for him.
