After showing flashes of his potential in 2018, Vrana took another step forward in 2019, setting a carer-high in goals (24), assists (23) and points (47) in 82 games. Vrana did that while barely averaging over 14 minutes per game but could easily play closer to 16 minutes in the Capitals top-6 in 2020. With increased playing time, Vrana could be a legit 60-plus point threat.
Vrana has been a healthy scratch for the last two games, but he will replace Alex Chiasson in the lineup tonight. Vrana, who has played a prominent role in the Capitals lineup for most of the season, has picked up just 19 points (10G / 9A) in 56 games this season. He should start the game with Evgeny Kuznetsov and T.J. Oshie.
The Capitals are in the midst of their dad trip, and will rotate in their normal scratches as a result. Alex Chiasson is expected to draw into the lineup and take Vrana's spot on the second line. Look for Vrana to take his usual spot in the lineup on Monday.
Vrana has not scored a goal in 16 games, picking up just three assists over that span, so he will sit as a healthy scratch on Wednesday. The Capitals are looking for more out of their young forward—he had 10 goals and four assists (14 points) in his first 32 games of the season.
Vrana has registered just three points (1G / 2A) in 12 games since being called up. Vrana hasn’t recorded a point in five games and will be replaced by Brett Connolly in the lineup and by Andre Burakovsky on the power play.
Vrana was recalled from Hershey (AHL) on Wednesday after posting nine goals and seven assists (16 points) in 18 AHL games. The 20-year-old forward was selected 13th overall in 2014 and will make his NHL debut on the Capitals’ second line tonight. Vrana has picked up 25 goals and 30 assists (55 points) in 57 career AHL games.
