In a promising sign, Filip Chytil has been cleared to travel. After seeing a specialist, he’ll join the Rangers when they arrive in Calgary later this week.

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After accidentally colliding with teammate K’Andre Miller during the second period of the Rangers’ 3-2 win over the Sharks on Nov. 14, Chytil returned and took a shift before the period concluded. He didn’t return for the third. Following the game, Rangers coach termed it an upper-body injury.

As promised, Chytil was further evaluated by a concussion specialist. After it was determined that he didn’t suffer a concussion, he will later fly out to join the team when they take on the Flames this Thursday. He could rejoin them for practice. Laviolette indicated that that’s still to be determined.

It’s the best news the Rangers could’ve hoped for. After missing most of 2023-24, Chytil has shown improvement this season. In 15 games, he has four goals and five assists for nine points. His plus-11 rating ranks second among all Rangers’ forwards. Linemate Will Cuylle leads them with a +12. Kaapo Kakko is third with a +10. The third line has been consistent offensively. The cohesive trio has outscored opponents 11-0 at five-on-five.

Skating without Chytil for a second straight game against the Canucks on Tuesday night, the Rangers continue to have Jonny Brodzinski fill in to center the third line for the time being. They weren’t as effective against the Kraken in a 2-0 victory. According to Natural Stat Trick, the line was outshot 8-4 and finished with a 32.0 Corsi rating. However, both Cuylle and Kakko picked up assists on a Zac Jones goal in the third period.

Miller Out for Canucks

With the Blueshirts currently in action against the Canucks, they won’t see J.T. Miller. The former Ranger took an indefinite leave for personal reasons.

There’s been some speculation that Miller might want out of Vancouver. Whether or not it’s true, he and his family should be given the utmost respect by fans. The Canucks statement on Miller showed plenty of support. That’s how it should be.

In 17 games, Miller ranked second in scoring with six goals and 10 assists for 16 points. Canucks captain Quinn Hughes led Vancouver with 18 points entering play tonight. Miller was leading the Canucks in faceoffs with a 59.1 win percentage (169-and-117).

It was last season that the former Rangers 2011 first round pick set personal bests across the board with 37 goals, 66 assists, and 103 points to pace Vancouver in scoring. He also posted a career high plus-32 rating. Miller also scored 10 power-play goals, two shorthanded goals, and nine game-winners. He also led the Canucks with 61 even strength points and 40 power-play points.

Currently, Miller is signed to a long-term contract for an $8 million cap hit. The deal doesn’t expire until 2030.

The Canucks also skated without regulars Brock Boeser and Derek Forbort. They’re still without starting goalie Thatcher Demko. Arthurs Salovs got the start against Igor Shesterkin for the Rangers.