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.
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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.
