With two more days off before New York takes on the Maple Leafs in Toronto, the Post covered two players whose profile has risen as the year has continued. First, Vladislav Namestnikov and second, Filip Chytil. Each are in different stages of their caree. Nam is trying to parlay his two year deal, which expires after next season, into a longer term contract while Chytil is in year one of his ELC.
Namestnikov:
I will admit I was one of those who did not want Nam in New York. Following his poor stint as a Ranger, I might have been okay letting him walk. Then, I was a bit surprised when New York signed him to the two-year contract and after his slow start, benching him for a long stretch also was fine in my book.
But credit has to go to Nam. He recognized what he was doing wrong and what he had to fix. Namestnikov was willing to obtain and sought advice from coach David Quinn, incorporating that feedback into his game to do a complete 180 from the beginning of the year. He now has become one of the most reliable players on the ice, playing anywhere from the first to third line. Namestnikov has shown nice chemistry with Jimmy Vesey and Brett Howden after skating with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. His name has started to come in trade talks. The better he plays, the higher his value rises, making it possible that he is dealt by the deadline.
Here are the salient quotes from Quinn and Nam:
“He and I have talked. He’s been more physical, obviously, and played with more edge. But this is a guy that with some skill, too, and I don’t want that to get lost in how hard he’s been playing. He and I have talked about that — we’re not trying to turn him into a fourth-line checker.“He’s a guy that can create offense with his speed, and he’s got good hands and he can shoot it. So if you add that physical element that he’s had, being hard on pucks, he’s going to be more productive offensively and be able to play in different roles. That’s what he’s done,… Quinn said.
"i knew I needed to be better at the beginning of the year,… Namestnikov said, having had a conversation around that time with Quinn about bringing a more physical edge. “So just kind of re-looked [at] my game, and that’s how I needed to better. I think when I play with that little edge, I think I’m a better player. I just have to keep working hard and improving on all areas.…
Chytil:
Chytil earner a roster spot with a strong training camp. Like most rookies though, he struggled at times early on this season. In fact, some thought that maybe Chytil deserved a stint in the minors to regain his confidence and re-find his game. But like Nam, he simplified his approach, listened to feedback, learned, adapted and is now thriving. Chytil, taken 21st overall in 2017, is now skating in a line with Zibanejad and Mats Zuccarello. He projects to shift back to center, but is learning how to play at this level on the wing. That shift has reduced his defensive responsibilities, allowing his offensive game to shine.
Quinn quotes:
“I think a lot has changed in his game,… Quinn said before his team’s 3-1 win over the Ducks on Tuesday night at the Garden. “He’s more purposeful without the puck, he’s playing more at a pace, he’s more competitive around the puck, he’s pressuring the puck more, he’s more responsible defensively, understanding his assignments.…“One thing that has really jumped out at me from the initial-rush standpoint, early in the year, every time he had it, he tried to get too creative on one-on-one situations,… Quinn said. “Now a lot of times he’s driving wide, with his speed. There is a lot more simple mindset to his game which allows his skill to influence the game.…