AHL Trade Shakes Things Up, Chytil Returns for Canucks, and Malkin Eyes One More Run
With the NHL roster freeze looming, teams are making last-minute moves to fine-tune their depth charts-and one such trade just added a wrinkle to the AHL landscape.
Neuchev on the Move
Russian winger Viktor Neuchev is on the move once again. Drafted in the third round of the 2022 NHL Draft, Neuchev made the leap to North America after a season in the KHL.
Since then, he’s been developing in the AHL, showing flashes of offensive upside. In his first full season with the Rochester Americans in 2023-24, Neuchev posted 11 goals and 28 points over 57 games-a solid start for a young player adjusting to the North American game.
This season, the 22-year-old has continued to build on that foundation. Through 34 games, he's registered six goals and 16 points.
While the numbers don’t jump off the page, they reflect a player still finding his rhythm and carving out his identity at the pro level. His blend of skill and speed gives him intriguing upside, and a fresh start could be just what he needs to take the next step.
Veteran Defenseman Bayreuther Brings Experience
Going the other way is Gavin Bayreuther, a steady veteran presence on the blue line. The 31-year-old defenseman has logged 122 NHL games, splitting time between the Dallas Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets. His most productive NHL campaign came in 2022-23, when he tallied two goals and 14 points in 51 games.
Since then, Bayreuther has taken a more winding path-spending the 2023-24 and 2025-26 seasons in the AHL and a stint overseas in Switzerland during 2024-25. While he hasn’t suited up in the NHL in a couple of years, Bayreuther’s experience and poise make him a valuable asset, particularly for teams looking to stabilize their AHL backend or provide depth insurance.
Filip Chytil Returns to the Canucks’ Lineup
Over in Vancouver, the Canucks got a much-needed boost with the return of Filip Chytil. The 24-year-old center suited up for the first time since the team’s sixth game of the season, ending a 44-game absence. While he’s still finding his legs-held off the scoresheet in his first two games back-his presence adds some much-needed skill and depth down the middle for a Canucks team that’s been struggling to find consistency.
Chytil’s career has been a slow burn, but one that’s shown steady progression. After being selected 21st overall by the Rangers in the 2017 draft, he consistently hovered around the 22-23 point mark in his early seasons before breaking out with 22 goals and 45 points in 2022-23. That breakout year seemed to signal a turning point, but injuries have since slowed his momentum.
After playing only 10 regular season games and six playoff games for New York in 2023-24, Chytil returned in 2024-25 with a solid showing-11 goals and 20 points in 41 games-before being dealt to Vancouver in a blockbuster trade for J.T. Miller. He added two goals and six points in 15 games post-trade, and now, after another long layoff, he’s back and trying to get back into rhythm.
The Canucks, however, are in a tough spot. With just 39 points through 52 games, they sit dead last in the NHL standings.
The next closest teams, the Blues and Jets, are eight points ahead. It’s been a season of frustration in British Columbia, and while Chytil’s return is a positive, it may be too little too late to salvage the campaign.
Malkin Not Done Yet
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, one of the game’s greats isn’t ready to hang up his skates just yet. After a 6-2 win over the Oilers, Evgeni Malkin made it clear-he wants to play in the 2026-27 season.
Now 39, Malkin has built a Hall-of-Fame résumé over two decades with the Penguins. Drafted second overall in 2004, just behind fellow Russian Alexander Ovechkin, Malkin has quietly put together one of the most decorated and consistent careers of his era. With 527 goals and 1,386 points in 1,249 games, he’s been the heartbeat of Pittsburgh alongside Sidney Crosby.
His trophy case is loaded: two Art Ross Trophies, a Conn Smythe, a Hart Trophy, and three Stanley Cups. Yet somehow, Malkin has often flown under the radar in the broader NHL conversation-highlighted by his surprising omission from the league’s Top 100 Players list in 2017.
Last season, Malkin put up 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games. This year, he’s found another gear, once again averaging over a point per game with 13 goals and 40 points in just 36 games.
That kind of production at his age isn’t just impressive-it’s rare. And it’s clear Malkin believes he still has more to give.
For the Penguins, who are trying to navigate the end of an era while still staying competitive, having a motivated and productive Malkin in the mix for at least one more year is a big deal. He’s not just a legacy player-he’s still making a real impact.
As the NHL season hits the backstretch, we’re seeing teams make strategic moves, players return from long absences, and legends continue to chase greatness. Whether it’s a young prospect finding his way, a veteran defenseman offering stability, or a future Hall-of-Famer refusing to fade quietly, the storylines are as compelling as ever.