<p>The New York Rangers have signed forward Filip Chytil to a four-year extension with an AAV of $4.4375 million.</p>



<p>Chytil is in the midst of a career year. The 23-year-old has 22 goals and 42 points in 66 games, far surpassing his previous best of 23 that he set during his first two seasons. He followed that up by a pair of 22-point campaigns, so he’s been consistent. Still, this year’s breakout is more like what the Rangers were hoping for after taking him 21st overall in 2017. </p>



<p>At 5-on-5, Chytil’s 17 goals sits one behind Artemi Panarin for the team lead. He’s also fourth in points with 32 and is second behind Panarin (2.55) with 2.34 points-per-game among full-season Rangers.</p>



<p>Born in Czechia, Chytil has represented his country at all major international levels outside of the Olympics. He won gold at the 2016 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and has four goals and eight points in 20 games over three World Championships.</p><div class="injected-ad injected-video" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="0" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="161"></div>



<p>Currently in the final year of a $2.3 million AAV deal, Chytil is a big 6-foot-3 forward that uses his speed and strength to his advantage. In open space, the center can absolutely fly, and he’s strong enough to win puck battles consistently along the boards.</p>



<p>Chytil has been the centerpiece of New York’s kid line, one many expect to play a key role in the team’s playoff run. The Rangers have a stout top six, which features Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Vladimir Tarasenko, Chris Kreider, Vincent Trocheck and Patrick Kane. But with Chytil playing alongside Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko – two other young forwards that have struggled to break out – the Rangers have three truly dangerous scoring lines.</p>



<p>Chytil had seven goals and nine points in 20 playoff games last year. This time, expect coach Gerard Gallant to get the most out of his surging third line.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="1" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="149"></div>
