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 Jakub Vrana return to Washington, even on a PTO, makes perfect sense from his perspective. He put up noteworthy offensive numbers and displayed a dynamic presence before the Capitals traded him to Detroit.

Washington Hockey Now’s Nathan Moser called the Vrana PTO a “good move” by first-year GM Chris Patrick. Moser believes Vrana’s skill set fit wells with Washington’s revamped offensive group.

“The Capitals are getting a player who was fast when he was there the first time,” Moser wrote.  “His speed was built for the current NHL game. It is one of his best attributes, and one of the big reasons why he was crucial to the Stanley Cup-winning team in 2018. During that championship postseason run, Vrana scored three goals and (added) five assists for eight points in 23 games.”

But Vrana is far from a lock to get a contract. Much has happened since the Capitals traded him to Detroit. The Red Wings were quick to move on from him after he went through the NHL / NHL Players Assistance Program. He scored 12 goals in 41 games over two seasons. He is 28. It’s hard to know what his floor or ceiling really are.

“If things go well,” Moser writes,  “Maybe he is in the lineup for the Capitals or he starts 2024-25 off in the AHL with the Hershey Bears. There are multiple ways this could play out. When camp arrives, fans can see how he gels in with the rest of the team and then go from there.”

Red Wings in Case You Missed It

Red Wings prospects Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (Norway) and Marco Kasper (Austria) will be participating Aug. 29-Sept. 1 in Olympic qualifying tournaments. Bob Duff has the details in his Red Wings notebook.

Detroit’s annual NHL Prospect tournament has been reduced to a two-game series against the Dallas Stars prospects in Traverse City. The games will be Sept. 14 (6 p.m.) and Sept. 15 (2:30) at Centre Ice Arena.

Former NHLer Chris Pronger talked recently about Steve Yzerman‘s role in a torn ACL he suffered 23 years ago.

Red Wings Offseason

Red Wings prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov had a slick shootout goal in a KHL preseason game.

In Dmitri Buchelnikov’s(2nd round’22) preseason debut he didn’t pick up any points. (He had a couple 3rd assists) but he had this awesome shootout move. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/sW8zhoAOLh

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) August 15, 2024

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Andrew Fantuccio writes about what the NHL Network got right and got wrong in rating David Pastrnak against all other wingers. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: The Avalanche hired long-time league office employee Andrew Wilson as an assistant general manager. Colorado Avalanche.

Philadelphia: Sam Carchidi looks at how Matvei Michkov and his teammates stack up against opponents. Philadelphia Flyers.

San Jose: Sheng Peng offers an insightful behind-the-paywall story about why Joe Pavelski was such a strong leader during his NHL career. You can read Peng’s story by taking advantage of our limited time offer of a yearly subscription for only $10. You can read paywall stories on any Hockey Now website. Plus, you can navigate without adds. To subscribe, click here. San Jose Sharks. 

The post The Daily: Why Caps Gave Vrana a PTO; Buchelnikov Update appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

When his day of reckoning came in both his life and in his career with the Detroit Red Wings, Jakub Vrana recollects most vividly the fear and trepidation he felt after making the decision to share his problem with Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman.

It was in October of 2022 when the stunning news came that star forward Vrana was taking a leave from the Red Wings to enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

Dealing with substance abuse issues, it was Vrana who sought out Yzerman to share his problem with his boss.

Jedním z expertů v dnešním studiu Zimák bude Jakub Vrána Kromě toho pro vás také chystáme velký rozhovor, který najdete už brzy na https://t.co/p25t7p7cNx pic.twitter.com/c4Ubaj21ty

— Deník Sport (@DenikSport) May 21, 2024

“I actually went (to see) Steve Yzerman,” Vrana shared with Zimakpodcast.cz in his native Czechia. “I completely walked up the stairs to his office. And I was completely at a loss as to how I was going to tell him.”

Vrana would spend six weeks in the program. He’d return to Detroit but after placing him on waivers, the Red Wings would assign Vrana to the Grand Rapids Griffins, their AHL farm club. He’d get a brief three-game recall to Detroit later in the 2021-22 season, prior to being traded to the St. Louis Blues.

Vrana remembers the turmoil of that season but mostly, focuses on the fact that he was able to ultimately get his personal life back in order.

Vrana Felt Fearful Telling Red Wings Of His Problem

Even though now he knows it was what he needed to do, Vrana acknowledges that at the time, admitting his problem was overwhelming to his psyche.

“You (are) afraid to take this step,” Vrana recalled. “And then it might be too late.

“Of course there was a lot of fear on my part. What would happen if I came back?”

What did happen was that his end came as a Red Wings player.

“Alas, hockey is a business and maybe some people just look at it a bit (like that), even in the NHL,” Vrana said. “They just don’t say it to your face and it was probably the same with me.”

Blues Letting Vrana Go

Last season, the Blues would also ship Vrana to the AHL. He would finish the season with the AHL Springfield Thunderbirds. He’ll become an UFA on July 1.

JAKUB. VRANA. pic.twitter.com/dVRrCLCHxa

— Springfield Thunderbirds (@ThunderbirdsAHL) February 25, 2024

Regardless of the status of his hockey career, Vrana simply feels better off having his life back on track.

“I had to start solving it,” Vrana said. “I’m stronger now.”

His message to others facing similar addictions is that they don’t fear taking that step and reaching out for help.

“When you think you have everything under control, you don’t,”  he explains. “However, seemingly unsolvable problems can be successfully solved.”

The post Vrana Talks About Substance Abuse Issues And His End With Red Wings appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Craig Berube’s last act as coach of the St. Louis Blues was losing 6-4 to the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday night. He was fired after the game and replaced by Drew Bannister who had been the Blues’ American Hockey League coach in Springfield. Bannister will be behind the Blues’ bench Thursday when the team plays the Ottawa Senators.

Berube is less than four years removed from coaching the Blues to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship.

The Blues (13-14-1) have lost four in a row and rank 26th overall in scoring (2.82 goals per game). They are sixth in the Central Division.

St. Louis also made other news of interest to Detroit fans by waiving Jakub Vrana. The Blues acquired him from Detroit last season. The Red Wings are still paying him $2.625 million (half of his salary) this season.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Bob Duff explains why the Red Wings win over the St. Louis Blues was ultra important. Lucas Raymond led the way with a goal and an assist and Joe Veleno had two assists. Jonatan Berggren scored again. Duff believes this win could be a defining moment.
• Here’s a video comparison between Auston Matthews’ two-game suspension act and what David Perron did to earn a six-game suspension.
• Was the Dylan Larkin injury scenario an indictment of the NHL rules? Duff thinks it is.

Red Wings Next Game

Coach Derek Lalonde’s Red Wings (15-9-4) are home Thursday to play the Carolina Hurricanes (15-12-1). The ‘Canes beat the Ottawa Senators 4-1 Tuesday to end a four-game losing streak.  The Hurricanes held a closed-door, players-only meeting Saturday to make sure everyone was on the same page.  Jonatan Berggren has two goals in two games since being promoted from the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: The Boston Bruins will be without top defenseman Charlie McAvoy and No. 1 center Pavel Zacha when they play the New Jersey Devils Wednesday. McAvoy has missed the past two games with an upper body injury and Zacha was injured in Saturday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes. Both players are day to day.

Chicago: Nate Brown writes that Seth Jones is performing at a higher level than fans believe he is and the Chicago Blackhawks younger players have held their own under pressure.

Montreal: General manager Kent Hughes has some interesting takes on how Juraj Slafkovsky’s development is going. Montreal Canadiens. 

New Jersey Devils: James Nichols offers a wish list for the Devils who would like to do some shopping before Christmas. What are the New Jersey Devils’ trade options?

San Jose: William Eklund scores another game-winner as the Sharks down the Winnipeg Jets’ 2-1. The San Jose Sharks are now 6-2-2 in their last 10. Maybe Detroit’s loss to San Jose wasn’t as bad as it looked. Nah, it was as bad as it looked.

Vegas: Mark Stone’s four-point night helps the Vegas Golden Knights extend their winning streak to four games.

The post The Daily: Blues Fire Coach After Losing to Red Wings; Vrana Waived appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Within days of returning to the Detroit Red Wings from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, forward Jakub Vrana immediately was gaining a sense that things weren’t the same.

He felt certain that his time with the team would soon be at an end.

In a far-reaching interview with Czech website Denik Sport, Vrana touches all of the bases, from his entry into the program, his depature from the Red Wings and his revival with the St. Louis Blues.

Speaking to his demise in Detroit, Vrana is certain that someone in the team’s hockey operations staff didn’t want him back once he’d completed his rehab program. He’s just not sure who that person would be.

“I don’t know if it came from the coach (Derek Lalonde) or the general manager (Steve Yzerman),” Vrana told Denik Sport. “But I felt that something was wrong.”

Vrana would enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in October, shortly after scoring a goal in the second game of the 2022-23 NHL regular season against the New Jersey Devils. Within days of return to the Red Wings, the team was sending him to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins on a rehab assignment. But instead of recalling Vrana at the conclusion of his rehab stint, the Red Wings would opt to place him on waivers. Upon clearing waivers, the Wings were returning Vrana to GR.

In February, he was given a recall to Detroit. However, after playing just three games, he was dealt to the St. Louis Blues.

In St. Louis, Vrana would regain his patented scoring touch. He would be producing 10 goals in 20 games.

“With trade came a new beginning,” Vrana said. “I got the chance to play again.”

Vrana Feeling Reborn Since Leaving Red Wings

Looking back at his tumultuous season, the Czech player still chooses not to get into the specifics of what led him into the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. What he will say is that making the decision to undergo treatment was exactly the proper thing for him to do.

“Something happened to me in my life,” is all Vrana will say about the reason for his rehab stint. “I did the right thing by seeking help.”

He’s thankful for the people who tood by his side through this difficult time in his life.

“Mental problems and substances are more closely related,” Vrana said. “When someone doesn’t know what to do, those people are there for him.”

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Today, he’s feeling revitalized and looking forward to resuming his NHL career. That resumption could be coming in a new home. Rumors of a massive trade between the Blues and Philadelphia Flyers are including Vrana’s name as among the pieces.

“It’s about a person finding another meaning in life and getting rid of everything they have to face,” Vrana said of the change he’s undergone in his life and lifestyle.

The post Vrana Talks Red Wings Departure, Substance Abuse Issues appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

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The post Red Wings Happy to See Blues’ Vrana Finding His Scoring Touch (+) appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

If there’s one thing Detroit Red Wings fans could’ve told St. Louis Blues supporters, it’s that when your team trades for Jakub Vrana, he starts filling the net right off the bat.

In that regard, history is repeating itself for Vrana since his arrival in the Gateway to the West. Vrana was scoring twice during an 8-5 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday. He’s now tallied four times in five games since the Red Wings were trading him to the Blues.

Jakub Vrana with 4 goals already as a blue. Looking like a very good pickup so far #stlblues pic.twitter.com/21W92IPw1f

— Gateway Grinders (@gatewaygrinders) March 16, 2023

His two-goal performance on Wednesday came after Vrana was accidentally kicked in the face with a skate during the morning skate. He took 25 stitches and was wearing a full facemask during the game.

When acquired by Detroit from the Washington Capitals at the 2021 NHL trde deadline, Vrana netted five goals in his first four games with the Red Wings.

Did Armstrong Get Better Of Yzerman?

The Blue and Red Wings have found themselves engineering several deals since Steve Yzerman became GM of the Red Wings. Up until now, it was hard tomake a case that Yzerman didn’t win each trade handily.

Reminder that Jakub Vrana cost next to nothing at the trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/tBdP0BTOy1

— James Nichols (@JamesNicholsNHL) March 16, 2023

There was Jacob de la Rose for Robby Fabbri. Nick Leddy for Jake Walman and Oskar Sundqvist. A third-round draft pick for Ville Husso.

While the returns are certainly early on this latest transaction, it’s difficult not to already be suggesting that Vrana for a seventh-round draft choice and minor league Dylan McLaughlin is a steal for St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong – especially considering that the Red Wings are on the hook to pay 50% of Vrana’s salary.

Red Wings Fans to Get Up Close Look at Vrana

It won’t be long until the Red Wings fanbase will be getting an up close look at Vrana in his new uniform. Detroit is playing in St. Louis on Tuesday night.

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The two teams will be completing a home and home set on Thursday at Little Caesars Arena.

The post Former Red Wings Forward Vrana Regaining Scoring Touch With Blues appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Jakub Vrana scored his first goal as a St. Louis Blues player Thursday. It was the game-winner in a 4-2 win against the San Jose Sharks. It was his first NHL tally since Oct. 15.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch offered a look at Vrana’s fresh start in St. Louis. Detroit fans know the Vrana back story.

Here what the Blues told the Post-Dispatch about Vrana:

Coach Craig Berube said this: “For me, it’s about using his speed all the time. He has to skate and become a worker, and let his skill take over. That’s the thing I’m going to try to drive into him is work, work, work and skate and work. Let your skill take over and then just about puck battles, win your puck battles, little things like that. That’s all going to make you a better player.”

Berube analysis doesn’t sound any different than what Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said when Vrana was in Detroit.

In case you were wondering, Vrana played on a line with Kasperi Kapanen and Pavel Buchnevich. It’s unknown whether that line will stay together.

Jakub Vrana can score from there??!!! Sheesh! #stlblues pic.twitter.com/dVJqeyucV3

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) March 10, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

With Robby Fabbri out, the Red Wings called up Austin Czarnik from the Grand Rapids Griffins

Keep an eye on Red Savage as a Red Wings player. He may not ever be a premium scorer, but he could end up being a premium role player.

Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin says it’s going to be a weird playing against former teammate Tyler Bertuzzi Saturday and Sunday.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The Red Wings (29-26-9) play the Boston Bruins today (1 p.m.). This will be the Red Wings’ first game against Tyler Bertuzzi since he was traded to the NHL’s No. 1 team. Bertuzzi has played one game and had an assist playing on the Bruins’ third line with Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: After losing to the Edmonton Oilers, the Bruins are looking to get their third-period identity back. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: Evan Rawal looks at the Gabriel Landeskog timeline and reports that Erik Johnson is “ahead of schedule.” Colorado Avalanche

Florida: The Florida Panthers had to fight to the finish to down the Chicago Blackhawks. They are acting like a team desperate to make the playoffs. Florida Panthers.

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Montreal: Bad news on injuries just keeps coming for the Montreal Canadiens.. 

New York: Stefen Rosner analyzes Pierre Engvall’s value after three games with the New York Islanders.

Philadelphia: Sam Carchidi supplies all of the details surrounding the firing of general manager Chuck Fletcher. Philadelphia Flyers. Carchidi says don’t rule out Ray Shero as a possible successor.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins made an emergency recall of Alex Nylander because they might not have 12 healthy forwards for their Saturday game (3:30 pm) against the Philadelphia Flyers. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

The post The Daily: What Blues Say About Vrana; Another Shero in Philly? appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The Detroit Red Wings shipped Jakub Vrana to the St. Louis Blues for a seventh-round pick and center Dylan McLaughlin. The Red Wings retained 50% of Vrana’s $5.25 million salary for this season and next as an inducement for the Blues to take him.

It was an unceremonious end to a Red Wings career that started with such promise.

For the Red Wings, this was dumping a player no longer in their plans. For the Blues, this is rolling the dice on the hope of landing a dynamic goal scorer.

The Red Wings acquired Vrana, Richard Panik, along with the Washington Capitals’ first and second round picks, on April 12, 2021, in a deal for Anthony Mantha.  The Red Wings used the Caps’ first rounder to move up in the draft and draft goalie Sebastian Cossa. The second rounder turned into Dmitry Buchelnikov

Meanwhile, Vrana scored 21 goals in his first 37 games as a Red Wings player. Vrana has a scoring touch. But injuries have undermined his progress.

Coming into this season, Vrana was considered one of the team’s key goal scorers. But he entered the NHL/NHL Players Association Player Assistance Program in October after playing only two games.

UPDATE: The Detroit #RedWings today acquired a 7th round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and center Dylan McLaughlin from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for left wing Jakub Vrana. pic.twitter.com/7mFmPX9iaK

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 3, 2023

Healthy Scratch

When he came out of the program, the Red Wings sent him to the Grand Rapids farm team for conditioning. Then, they waived him. After Vrana was unclaimed, the Red Wings assigned him to the Griffins. He was recalled three weeks ago amid speculation that the Red Wings would showcase him for a possible trade.  Vrana played only three games without registering a point.

UPDATE: The Detroit #RedWings today acquired a 7th round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and center Dylan McLaughlin from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for left wing Jakub Vrana. pic.twitter.com/7mFmPX9iaK

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 3, 2023

Vrana has only played five NHL games all season.

He was a healthy scratch Thursday when the Red Wings lost 5-4 in overtime to the Seattle Kraken. The Red Wings wanted Vrana to work on his game to become a more complete player. It was clear they didn’t believe he was making enough progress.

McLaughlin is 27 and has never played an NHL game. The Red Wings agreed to keep him playing for the Springfield Thunderbirds.

The post Red Wings Send Jakub Vrana to the St. Louis Blues appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

It’s still uncertain when Lucas Raymond will be ready to play for the Detroit Red Wings. He’s a definite maybe for Saturday’s home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said Raymond had a good practice Friday.

“I don’t know if he’ll be ready for tomorrow but a step in the right direction,” Lalonde said. “The goal today was to have a full practice, be fully involved, contact, and he did that. I’ll check with our medical staff; hopefully we’ll have him for tomorrow.”

Raymond said after practice that he felt comfortable. But he still termed his undisclosed injury as “day-to-day.”

“Just have to wait to see how things progress,” Raymond said.

Raymond has missed seven games since suffering a lower body injury during a collision with 232-pound teammate Ben Chiarot during a practice. At the time of the injury, Raymond was the team’s second-leading scorer with 15 goals. The Red Wings have almost become a different team in his absence. They went 4-1 on a road trip and won six of the seven games he’s missed.

Sidelined 15 Days

Players have been stepping up with Raymond gone. In those games, the Red Wings averaged 4.28 goals per game. Their season average is 3.11 goals per season. That ranks 17th out of 32 NHL teams.

It’s been 15 days since Raymond played an NHL game. Rust would be anticipated. The Red Wings haven’t said who will be sent to Grand Rapids when Raymond is declared ready to play. Jakub Vrana was brought up when he was injured, but that doesn’t mean GM Steve Yzerman has to send him down.

But Raymond and leading scorer Dylan Larkin have strong chemistry. It’s not like Lalonde doesn’t want to break up a winning lineup. Detroit now has enough depth now that players are being scratched when they are playing well. That has happened to Filip Zadina and Jonatan Berggren this week.

“Lucas will play when healthy,” Lalonde said. “We’ve been like this for 2-3 weeks now and credit to some of the guys – Zadina sits out, right back in; we have all intentions of getting Berggren back in. Kubalik has sat out on the back end. Vrana has watched 3-4 games and gotten in the lineup. You’re playing well, obviously there’s some rhythm with some of the lines but we’ve also mixed up some lines throughout this stretch, too. It’s part of it. As a staff, just consistent with the message. There’s times we will sit someone out and the message is clear as to why – for accountability. And there’s times that it’s ‘You’re the odd-man out tonight.’

The post Red Wings ‘Hopeful’ Raymond Plays Against Lightning appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.