New York Rangers: Filip Chytil ruled out for season after latest setback

Just a few days ago it appeared that Filip Chytil was on his was back to the New York Rangers with eyes on a return post All-Star break. However, after an injury setback this week in practice the Rangers announced in a statement Chytil is now out for the season.

The mishap happened this past week as Chytil reportedly stepped on a stick while in a minimal contact battle drill with Jake Leschyshyn. Chytil fell and re-injured himself with the severity yet to be disclosed.

This season will ultimately be a massive disappointment for Chytil in the first of a four-year contract extension. The injury history will be a massive concern for New York as Chytil is under contract for the next three seasons at $4.45 million per year. Chytil will finish the season with just six assists in ten games played.

The loss of Chytil for the season may force Chris Drury and the front office to make a trade to acquire a bottom-six center. Jonny Brodzinski has filled in for Chytil for the majority of the season with little offensive production scoring only two goals with nine assists in 30 games played. There will be plenty of centers available for the Rangers at the deadline with several upcoming unrestricted free agents leading the way.

Elias Lindholm will lead the way for several teams with 32 points scored in 46 games as the veteran center heads to free agency. Sean Monahan will be the cheapest option salary cap-wise wise with the veteran making $1.985 million dollars this season with 35 points on the season. There could be a few surprise candidates as teams use this next week to determine if they'll be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.

New York Rangers: Connor Mackey sparks the Rangers to a win

Heading into the All-Star break, it appeared New York would limp in with three straight losses as the Blueshirts were down 2-0 to the Senators. The whole game would change with Connor Mackey, who made his Rangers debut laying a massive hit on Tim Stutzle before fighting Brady Tkachuk.

The play would flip the momentum of the game with the Rangers scoring seven unanswered goals en route to a 7-2 win over the Senators. Mackey was replacing the suspended Jacob Trouba and proved to be an energy spark like the captain himself.

As this squad continues to battle injuries following the All-Star break, they'll need more players to make an impact like Mackey if they plan on staying afloat.