Filip Chytil injury update sends Vancouver Canucks into center depth crisis

Feb 20, 2026 (4:33 PM)

Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Filip Chytil’s facial fracture at Canucks practice is brutal, and Vancouver is right back to “now what” mode.

Wednesday at UBC turned scary in a hurry. An errant shot climbed and caught Chytil high, and the whole rink froze.

He dropped to a knee, grabbed his face, and headed off under his own power. It was the kind of moment you feel in your stomach.

Head coach Adam Foote said Chytil needed X-rays. That alone tells you it was not just a stinger.

The worst part is the timing. Chytil was already in a red non-contact jersey again because of migraines.

Jeff Paterson later reported it’s a facial fracture and Chytil is out indefinitely.

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This season has been stop-start for him. Through 12 games, he’s at 3-0-3, and Vancouver has leaned on him as a middle-six driver when available.

He’s also not some mystery player. The New York Rangers drafted him in 2017, Round 1, 21st overall, and his pace game is real when he’s right.

Canucks fans are tired of holding their breath every time Chytil takes contact.

Tactically, his absence forces more dump-and-chase hockey. Without his clean exits, wingers get stranded and the forecheck dies early.

It also messes with the man advantage entries. Chytil is one of the few forwards on this roster who can carry with speed instead of tossing it in.

If “out indefinitely” holds, Vancouver has to decide if this is an AHL patch job or a waiver-wire swing.

Either way, it’s another gut punch in a season that keeps finding new ways to sting.

Previously on HockeyLatest

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