Former Red Wings player Jakub Vrana has much to prove to earn a spot on the Washington Capitals. But Washington veterans are excited to have him around in training camp on a PTO deal.

“He’s a guy that just lights up the room when he walks in,” Capitals left wing Tom Wilson said. “It feels like old times having him around. You go through a special thing together and win a championship, and you have a bond for life, and just seeing him walk in the first day was a really cool feeling…”

Wilson, Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson are among the Caps on the roster when Vrana was on Washington’s squad from 2016 to 2021. Vrana had back-to-back seasons (2018-19 and 2019-20) when he scored 24 and 25 goals, respectively, for Washington. He was on the Washington team that won the Stanley Cup in 2018.

The Red Wings acquired Vrana from Washington, but then dealt him to St. Louis after he had a stint in the NHL/NHL Player Association Player Assistance Program.

Washington Hockey Now’s Nathan Moser story quotes players and head coach Spencer Carbery talking about Vrana’s potential.

“He looks fantastic out there,” Carlson said. “…He’s been chomping at the bit to get another chance, and I think he’s ready to make the most of it.”

Carbery said what he wants from Vrana are high compete and work levels.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The Red Wings are all relieved now that Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond are both signed for many years to come.

Why Jonatan Berggren‘s scoring touch is more important this season. The Red Wings may need his help.

Could Carter Mazur be one of the surprises on the Red Wings this season? Bob Duff believes it is possible.

Paywall story: Five reasons why Michael Brandsegg-Nygard is an intriguing prospect. If you need to subscribe, click here.

Red Wings Offseason

One of the Red Wings’ biggest questions in training camp is whether Ville Husso can stay healthy. He’s the team’s highest paid goalie, but he will have to battle to get playing time over Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon. Day 1 first impresssions were glowing. “Huss looks really good,” Detroit captain Dylan Larkin said. “He’s really committed and obviously had a tough stretch last season. So I’ve seen it, he’s really dialed in.”

Hockey Now Network

Boston: If Jeremy Swayman remains unsigned, Joonas Korpisalo becomes the Bruins No. 1. Andrew Fantuccio looks at what that means with preseason games not far off. Boston Bruins.

Buffalo: Rasmus Dahlin was among five Sabres  injured in wild Sabres practice session. Buffalo Sabres. 

New Jersey: Dawson Mercer’s new deal will pay him $4 million per season average over three years. New Jersey Devils.

Philadelphia: Jonathan Bailey offers his winners and losers from the Flyers’ rookie camp. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins’ practice Thursday included Sidney Crosby getting a chuckle over flattening Evgeni Malkin and coach Mike Sullivan being pleased over the efforts of a couple of rookies. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: Sheng Peng reports on what’s up with the Yaroslav Askarov injury. San Jose Sharks.

The post The Daily: Vrana Presence Pleases Cap Players; Berggren’s Value appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The Colorado Avalanche’s signing of Tomas Tatar is akin to finding a quality item in the bargain bin.

Colorado Hockey Now writer Evan Rawal offers that teams don’t usually find desirable free agents in the middle of September. Tatar seemed out of a place with the group of free agents that were still available.

“No, Tatar is not a perfect player,” Rawal writes. “Like most that find themselves unemployed just a week before training camp, he has flaws, but they’re flaws the Avalanche can deal with. The 32 year old fills an immediate need for Colorado, and at least during the regular season, makes them a better team.”

Colorado needed another scorer for its top nine forward group, and Tatar scored 20 goals last season. It was the 20-goal season of his career. He did it three times for the Red Wings.

“Having just come from the Devils system,” Rawal continued, “where the focus was on speed and skating, Tatar should have no issues fitting in with the Avalanche.”

Red Wings’ Next Game

Detroit rookies take on the Dallas Stars’ rookies tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City. Red Wings management will be looking to see where their younger players are in terms of conditioning and execution. Keep an eye on Amadeus Lombardi. He has exceeded expectations since the Red Wings drafted him in 2022.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Behind the paywall (+), Detroit Hockey Now takes a look at the best and worst case scenarios for the Detroit Red Wings for the 2023-24 NHL season.
• Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Aaron Ward has some thoughts on coach Mike Babcock‘s latest antics.
• Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland gave former Red Wings forward Adam Erne a PTO.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Defenseman Charlie McAvoy has some fun giving New York Jets fans the business. Boston Bruins.

Buffalo: Can Matthew Savoie or Jiri Kulich replace the injured Quinn? Mike Augello explores this question. Buffalo Sabres.

Chicago: Andrew Ladd retired this week. CHN’s Nate Brown looks at his contributions during the franchise’s championship run. Chicago Blackhawks. 

Pittsburgh: Speaking of having some fun,  Kris Letang participated in a players-organized Montreal Canadiens practice wearing all of his Pittsburgh Penguins gear.

Vegas: Could Max Comtois be a diamond in the rough? Chris Gawlik looks at GM Chris Gawlik’s knock of finding hidden gems. Comtois is with the Vegas Golden Knights on a PTO

The post The Daily: Tatar Perfect Fit For Avalanche; Vegas GM Finds Gems appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.