Chytil's Latest Injury Is More Than Just Another Canucks

There's something particularly difficult about watching Filip Chytil's situation unfold in Vancouver. When he's healthy, it's easy to see why the Canucks wanted him. He's a big, mobile centre who can carry the puck through the neutral zone, create offence, and make things happen. He has the kind of ability that makes you want to see him get a fair opportunity to show what he can do.

That's what makes the latest setback so disappointing. Chytil has had enough interruptions in his career. You'd like to see him get a sustained run of healthy hockey, not another stretch spent wondering when he'll be able to return.

Chytil was injured again after taking a hit from Nurse on Thursday.

Chytil took a heavy hit from Edmonton's Darnell Nurse late in Thursday's game against San Jose. He finished the game, but the Canucks subsequently placed him on injured reserve. There's concern that he may have aggravated the shoulder injury that already cost him eight games earlier this season.

Given Chytil's injury history, including previous concussion-related setbacks, Vancouver's concern is understandable. Still, it's important not to jump to conclusions about the medical information. Nobody knows yet exactly what this latest injury means, and the priority should be giving Chytil the time and care he needs to recover properly.

It's also worth remembering that there's a person behind all these injury updates. For a player who has worked through so many setbacks, another interruption has to be difficult. You'd like to think he'll get a break and have an opportunity to put some of this behind him.

Could Chytil's situation eventually affect Vancouver's plans?

This is a hockey-business question, although it feels secondary at the moment. Chytil is 27, carries a $4.4 million cap hit, and is playing out an expiring contract. Under different circumstances, he might have attracted interest as a trade-deadline candidate.

The talent is there. A team looking for a centre with size, skating ability, and offensive instincts could certainly see something worth pursuing. But availability is part of the equation, and Chytil hasn't had an easy time staying in the lineup.

That doesn't mean the Canucks should consider moving him now. In fact, it would be difficult to make a sensible decision about his future until they know more about his health. If he gets back on the ice and puts together a sustained stretch of productive hockey, the conversation could look quite different.

Canucks fans would like to see Chytil get a fair chance.

Vancouver has plenty to consider as it works through its rebuilding plans. The organization needs to develop players, manage its assets, and find ways to become more competitive. A healthy Chytil could fit into that picture.

But there's no need to turn every injury into a roster-management debate. Right now, the hope should simply be that this latest setback isn't as serious as it might appear and that Chytil gets the opportunity to return without having to rush anything.

Canucks fans haven't really had the chance to see what he can bring over a sustained stretch of games. That's a shame, because the ability is there.

Sometimes the best thing a player can get is a little good fortune. Chytil could certainly use some. And for his sake, here's hoping his next chapter in Vancouver is about playing hockey rather than trying to get healthy again.