Red Wings Giving Jakub Vrana Another Chance

Jakub Vrana has had an interesting time to say the least since being acquired by the Detroit Red Wings in 2020-21. Between injuries, personal issues, and underrated production, the last two years have been filled with massive ups and downs. Now, after a rough start to the 2022-23 season, Vrana is back up with the Red Wings.

He has only played two games for the Red Wings this season before missing time and then staying in the AHL once he returned to action. In 17 games in the AHL this season, he has scored six goals and 11 points, actually less productive than he has been in the NHL since coming to Detroit.

Since being acquired, Vrana has actually only played 39 games for the Red Wings. During that time, he has been very productive offensively, scoring 22 goals and 32 points. But the 26-year-old has had a tough go at it with his health.

However you look at it, the Red Wings still won the trade with the Washington Capitals in acquiring Vrana and a first round pick in exchange for Anthony Mantha, but things might have gone much better for Detroit if Vrana was able to play more games. His absence from the lineup for the past two years has given ample opportunity to younger players as the Red Wings try to build a team that can compete.

A short while ago, it was reported that Vrana had played his last game with the Red Wings and was potentially going to be headed overseas to finish up the season in a professional league. As Detroit is set to be making some moves before the trade deadline, this is an opportunity to showcase Vrana while he's healthy and potentially get him going once again.