Filip Chytil faced a crucial test of his resilience during a preseason game on Sunday in Seattle. The Vancouver Canucks center absorbed a heavy hit from former New York Rangers teammate Kaapo Kakko just one minute into the match against the Seattle Kraken. This incident raised concerns due to Chytil's history of concussions, including five in his career, with the most recent one occurring on March 15, which ended his previous season.

Chytil was pursuing Kakko during a forecheck when he was struck with a reverse shoulder hit that caused him to hit the ice hard. Despite the impact, he quickly got back on his feet and completed his shift, logging nearly 20 minutes of ice time in the game, which ended in a 5-3 loss for the Canucks. His ability to bounce back from the hit was seen as a positive sign for his mental and physical state.

The Canucks had a day off on Monday, so any potential effects from the hit would not be known until Tuesday. Chytil is focused on adjusting his play to minimize the risk of further concussions, understanding that another significant injury could jeopardize his career. He emphasized the importance of playing smart and avoiding vulnerable positions, especially along the boards.

Having started training in May, Chytil feels prepared for the upcoming season. "I’m ready," said the 26-year-old from the Czech Republic. "I’m not thinking about it (concussions) at all. I understand people are worried about it, but I know my body and what’s going on. I’m working to stay on the ice as much as I can and play a full season finally."

Last season, Chytil's plans were disrupted when he suffered a concussion from a hit by former Canucks player Jason Dickinson. The unpenalized hit led to symptoms that required him to follow concussion protocol, which included time away from the ice due to headaches and light sensitivity.

Chytil's situation is not unique in the league. Teammate Brock Boeser also faced challenges after suffering a concussion last November, which affected his performance and recovery. Boeser struggled initially to regain his fitness and confidence after the injury but eventually found his rhythm later in the season.

As Chytil prepares for the upcoming season, he is under pressure to perform as a second-line center, especially following the trade that brought him to Vancouver. The Canucks are exploring options to strengthen their lineup, which could affect Chytil's position on the team. He previously played as a third-liner with the Rangers and is expected to contribute significantly to the Canucks' offense.

Chytil's performance statistics from last season indicate his potential. He had six points in 15 games before his concussion but led the team in scoring chances and slot shots. He recognizes the need to increase his goal-scoring as he aims to replicate or exceed his previous success.

"I’m not thinking too much about it," Chytil said. "It’s coming in early, working hard on the ice, and I’m not doing anything different from previous years. I know what’s ahead of me and I’m working toward that and building chemistry. When I’m healthy, I know what I can do and go to in the future."

Chytil expressed excitement for the season ahead, noting that his early games have been some of his best hockey. He is determined to maintain a clear mindset and focus on his performance as the season progresses.