Filip Chytil is back on the Vancouver Canucks’ active roster after missing five games with a shoulder injury.
Vancouver activated the forward from injured reserve on Friday, November 13, before hosting the New York Rangers at Rogers Arena.
The corresponding move sent defenceman Guillaume Brisebois to injured reserve retroactive to November 9.
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Filip Chytil: Chytil returns to the Canucks lineup
Chytil was projected to centre Vancouver’s second line between Paul Cotter and Jonathan Lekkerimäki against his former team.
The 27-year-old had two assists in seven games before the injury interrupted his start to the season.
Chytil was injured during Vancouver’s October 29 game against the San Jose Sharks and subsequently missed five contests.
His return gives the Canucks another established option down the middle at a difficult point in the season.
Vancouver entered Friday’s game with a 3-16-1 record and had lost six consecutive games.
The Canucks had also scored three or fewer goals in 15 of their first 17 games, making the return of a middle-six forward particularly important for the club’s offensive depth.
Brisebois placed on injured reserve
Brisebois’ placement on injured reserve was listed as retroactive to November 9.
The Canucks did not publicly identify the nature of the defenceman’s injury in the roster update.
Brisebois had appeared in six games this season and recorded one assist.
His absence created an opening on the back end for Vancouver’s game against New York.
Cameron Crotty was expected to be available for his Canucks debut after Vancouver claimed him off waivers earlier in the week.
Tom Willander cleared to return
Tom Willander was also available to return after missing four games with a lower-body injury.
The 21-year-old defenceman had been projected to rejoin the lineup alongside Elias Pettersson.
Willander had three goals in 16 games before the injury and had continued to practise with the team while working toward a return.
His availability gives coach Manny Malhotra another young option on a defence corps that has been reshaped by injuries and roster moves.
Vancouver’s projected blue-line combinations included Zeev Buium with Filip Hronek, Pettersson with Willander, and Jamie Oleksiak with Crotty.
Canucks face Rangers at Rogers Arena
Friday’s game was the second and final regular-season meeting between Vancouver and New York.
The Rangers won the first meeting 6-2 at Madison Square Garden on October 11.
New York arrived with an 11-8-1 record, while Vancouver was attempting to stop a prolonged slide at home.
The game was scheduled for 9 p.m. Eastern time at Rogers Arena.
Leevi Meriläinen was projected to start in goal for Vancouver, with Kevin Lankinen listed as the backup.
Chytil’s return also carried an added storyline because it was his first projected appearance against the Rangers since Vancouver acquired him from New York.
For the Canucks, the immediate priority was less about the trade history and more about restoring some stability to a lineup that has struggled to generate offence.
The next stage for Chytil will be managing his workload after the five-game absence while re-establishing chemistry with Vancouver’s second unit.
The Canucks’ return to action also reflects the broader global reach of the NHL.
Friday’s game was the second and final regular-season meeting between Vancouver and New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Canucks activate Filip Chytil?
Vancouver activated Chytil from injured reserve after he recovered sufficiently from a shoulder injury that caused him to miss five games.
Who did the Canucks place on injured reserve?
Defenceman Guillaume Brisebois was placed on injured reserve retroactive to November 9.
Was Tom Willander available against the Rangers?
Yes. Willander was cleared to return after missing four games with a lower-body injury.
How many points did Filip Chytil have before his injury?
Chytil had two assists in seven games for Vancouver before missing time.
When did the Canucks and Rangers meet earlier this season?
The Rangers defeated Vancouver 6-2 at Madison Square Garden on October 11, 2026.
Fact-Checked: Key roster, injury, lineup and game details were checked against Vancouver Canucks and NHL information published on November 13, 2026. ([nhl.com](https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/new-york-rangers-vancouver-canucks-game-preview-november-13-2026?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Projected lineups and player availability can change before puck drop or during the game.