Jakub Vrana clears waivers, remains with the Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings forward Jakub Vrana cleared waivers on Wednesday after being made available by the club the previous day.

Vrana, 26, has missed most of the 2022–23 regular season while spending time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, which supports players and their families in dealing with issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and other matters.

The Prague product appeared in two games with the Red Wings at the start of the season, recording a goal and an assist, before entering the program. Since returning to the ice, he’s appeared in three American Hockey League games with the Grand Rapids Griffins (the Red Wings’ main affiliate).

The Washington Capitals originally selected Vrana in the first round (No. 13 overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft. The six-foot left wing made his NHL debut with the Capitals in 2016–17 and subsequently won the Stanley Cup with the club in 2018, scoring three goals and eight points in 23 playoff games that year.

Vrana surpassed 20 goals twice with the Capitals before being traded to the Red Wings in 2021 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Mantha to Washington. The Red Wings received Vrana, Richard Panik, a 2021 first-round pick, and a 2022 second-round pick in the trade.

Despite dealing with multiple injuries since joining the Red Wings, Vrana has been consistently productive when in the lineup for his current team. He has 22 goals and 32 points in 39 games over parts of three seasons with Detroit and is signed through the end of the 2023–24 campaign at a $5.25 million NHL cap hit.

Having cleared waivers, it appears Vrana will remain for the Griffins for now until such time as the Red Wings deem he’s ready to return to NHL action. With Robby Fabbri, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Filip Zadina all set to come back from injury-related absences soon, Vrana might have to wait a little while for a spot to open up.