Photo: Sportsnet
It’s hard to believe that Jakub Vrána hasn’t been back to Capital One Arena since he was traded for Anthony Mantha back on April 12, 2021, almost two full years ago. But because of injuries, a global pandemic and personal challenges Vrana faced, that’s indeed the case.
Vrana missed last year’s Capitals-Red Wings game in the District due to a shoulder injury he sustained at the start of the season. Vrana missed the Red Wings first visit to DC earlier this season back in mid-December because of his stint in the NHL’s player assistance program.
Practice day in DC. Wings will have covered close to 6,000 miles on this road trip playing 5 games in 10 days. Total time zone changes 8 (3 to Van, 1 to Edm, 1 to Sea, 3 to wash DC) pic.twitter.com/Ea07tH6I74
— Ken Kal (@KenKalDRW) February 20, 2023
Vrana was waived by the Red Wings on January 3, cleared waivers on January 4, and was re-assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL. He was recalled by the Red Wings on February 15, but has yet to play in a game.
Derek Lalonde says Red Wings looking to get Jakub Vrana in Tuesday against Washington but need to figure out who comes out of lineup.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) February 20, 2023
In 284 career games with Washington, Vrana has recorded 76 goals, 157 points, and a +36 rating. He set career-highs in goals (25) and points (52) in 69 games during the 2019-20 season. He had no points and a combined -8 rating in 15 Stanley Cup Playoff games from 2019-20 when Washington was eliminated in the first round both times after recording three goals and eight points in 23 games during the 2018 tournament.
Washington GM Brian MacLellan said he saw a “frustrated player” in Vrana in terms of his body language and the team wanted to move on from that. Head coach Peter Laviolette scratched Vrana twice before the team traded him and never seemed to click with the young Czech after the team hired him.
Washington hosts Detroit on Tuesday, February 21 for the final meeting of the season between the two teams.
By Jon Sorensen