Chytil, who is 6 feet 2 inches and fleet on the ice, was one of the Rangers’ two first-round picks in the June draft, taken 21st after the team chose Lias Andersson in the seventh spot.

Only Chytil (pronounced HEET-el) earned a roster spot, recording a goal and two assists in three preseason games. Andersson, who turns 19 next month, will return home to Sweden and play for Frolunda, which was also the team of Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist and Andersson’s father, Niklas.

Chytil’s rapid ascent is linked to the departure of the team’s longtime top center, Derek Stepan, in a trade to the Arizona Coyotes on the weekend of the draft.

The Rangers expect Mika Zibanejad, who arrived in an off-season trade last year, to assume a leading role this season. The team is further counting on Kevin Hayes and the veteran David Desharnais, who signed as a free agent in July, at the center position.

Chytil, whose 18th birthday was Sept. 5, caught Vigneault’s attention quickly. He scored an overtime winner against the Devils on Sept. 20 and assisted on Ryan McDonagh’s game-clincher against the Flyers last Monday, part of a slick passing play in overtime that included Mats Zuccarello.