When the NHL schedule for 2025-26 is released, Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood will be circling the team's first game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Sherwood expressed his anger Sunday at Blackhawks forward Jason Dickinson in the aftermath of his Saturday hit on Vancouver's Filip Chytil.
Chytil, who is in concussion protocol, did not play in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Club.
"That's back-to-back games that guys are taking liberties on our guys," Sherwood said after Sunday's game, also referring to Connor Zary's elbow on Canucks defenceman Elias Pettersson that resulted in a two-game suspension to the Calgary Flames forward.
"(Dickinson's) going to have to answer the bell next year because I know we don't play them again. That was a dirty hit. Unnecessary (with the Blackhawks trailing) 6-2. And then he doesn't have the whatever to step on the ice afterwards. Forby (Canucks defenceman Derek Forbort) asked him (presumably to fight) and it is what it is. We'll get him next year."
The injury occurred late in the third period after Dickinson hit Chytil from behind and into the boards. No penalty was called on the play.
Chytil, who has a concussion history, exited the game early, having played 12:01 of ice time.
The 25-year-old was acquired by the Canucks in the blockbuster trade that sent J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. In 15 games since joining the team, he has two goals and four assists and is a minus-11. He had 11 goals and nine assists through 41 games with the Rangers before the trade.
Chytil missed most of the 2023-24 season after dealing with a serious concussion and missed seven games earlier this season with an undisclosed upper-body injury, though the forward insisted it wasn't a concussion.
According to coach Rick Tocchet, Chytil is feeling OK but is in the concussion protocol. They'll monitor his status over the next 48 hours before deciding if he'll join the team on an upcoming six-game road trip.
"We need him so hopefully he can recover quickly," Sherwood said.
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