Detroit Red Wings recall Jakub Vrana from American Hockey League

The Detroit Red Wings have recalled forward Jakub Vrana from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, the club announced Tuesday.

Vrana, 26, has six goals and 11 points in 17 AHL games with the Griffins this season. He recorded two points (one goal, one assist) in two games with the Red Wings in October before entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

In a corresponding move to fit Vrana on their NHL roster, the Red Wings placed forward Lucas Raymond on injured reserve retroactive to Feb. 10.

The Red Wings originally acquired Vrana from the Washington Capitals in 2021 as part of a blockbuster deal that saw forward Anthony Mantha head to the U.S. capital. In return, the Red Wings received Vrana, Richard Panik, a 2021 first-round pick, and a 2022 second-round pick.

Vrana has scored 22 goals and 32 points in 39 games over parts of three seasons with the Red Wings but has missed significant time for injury-related and off-ice reasons since arriving in Detroit. According to Daily Faceoff‘s Frank Seravalli, Vrana’s time in the Player Assistance program was related to a substance abuse issue.

Under contract through the end of the 2023–24 season at a $5.25 million NHL cap hit, Vrana recorded points in eight of nine games with the Griffins before being recalled and could play for the Red Wings as they return to action against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday.

Through 323 career games over parts of seven seasons with the Capitals and Red Wings, Vrana has amassed 98 goals and 189 points. He won the Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018.