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Good sign for Battalion import pick?

Rangers signing of Filip Chytil gives the Battalion more of a chance to sign the Czech star
FilipChytilRangers
Chytil in his New York Rangers jersey. Photo courtesy New York Rangers and NHL.com.

The North Bay Battalion got a piece of good news over the weekend as the New York Rangers announced they had signed forward Filip Chytil to a three-year, entry-level contract.   

The Battalion took a risk by choosing the Rangers 2017 first round pick with the 7th overall choice in the CHL Import Draft. 

See that story here: Battalion take New York Rangers top pick in import draft  

The news of the signing with the Rangers opens up an option for the Czech star to play major junior hockey in North Bay instead of playing professionally in the Czech Republic next season.  

That gives Battalion Head Coach Stan Butler a window of opportunity to court Chytil in hopes of convincing him to play for the Troops this fall.   

“There is going to be a recruiting process,” stated Butler back in June after the CHL Import Draft.  

Butler has had discussions with the Rangers about Chytil as well as conversations with the players agent.   

“They told me if he did come, the league he wanted to go to was the Ontario Hockey League, which is positive that way.”  

Butler says there is no timeline for a final decision from the Czech star.     

Chytil, who could arguably be the best Battalion NHL prospect since Cody Hodgson and Matt Duchene donned Troops colors, has created some buzz with Battalion fans.  

A couple weeks ago, the Battalion Fan Club launched an online petition in hopes of convincing Chytil to play for the Battalion.  

See that story: Battalion fans rallying for import pick

The 1999 birth year forward who turns 18 in September, skated in 38 games with PSG Zlin in the Czech Extraliga this past season, registering four goals and four assists for eight points, along with 16 penalty minutes.

Chytil was one of 21 players younger than 18 years old who played in the Czech Extraliga in 2016-17, and he ranked second among players younger than 18 years old in the league in games played, goals, and points during the season. He skated in two relegation games with PSG Zlin, recording two points (one goal, one assist). In addition, Chytil played two regular-season games and one playoff game with PSG Zlin's junior team in 2016-17.

Butler admits there is no timeline as to when Chytil will make a decision about coming to North Bay or staying in the Czech Republic.  


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Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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