Former Cup Winner Jakub Vrana Lands NHL Deal for 2024-25

His PTO—and homecoming—was successful this preseason, as eight-year veteran Jakub Vrana has landed back with the Washington Capitals, earning a one-year contract.

Jakub Vrána Signed 1-Year deal 🍀 pic.twitter.com/MDMYwR4qfu
— Robert Ševčík (@RobertSevcik20) October 7, 2024

The deal is for the league minimum $775, 000. But for Vrana, it's worth everything.

Now 28, he was a two-time 20-goal scorer in his first go-round with the Caps, and has a 2018 Stanley Cup ring to show for his four and a half years there. He is thrilled to be back in DC.

“It’s a commitment. It’s dedication and you’ve got to stay constant with your work.”

Jakub Vrana reflects on his efforts leading up to Training Camp and takeaways from preseason following practice today at Capital One Arena.#ALLCAPS | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/Kix1cvssp8
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 7, 2024

"I have a lot of flashbacks being back here... Being able to get a chance to be back in the league, and on top of everything with this organization... It's great, man... It's great to be back here," said Vrana just before his deal was announced.

"He's had a great attitude," said head coach Spencer Carbery. "He's worked extremely hard, had a good training camp, saw some of the things that he could potentially do individually, but also some areas that he can help us as a team. Proud of him and the way he competed. Like I said, his attitude was phenomenal through training camp."

In 4 preseason games, Vrana was the team leader in shots on goal (11), and individual scoring chances (12). He also recorded two points on a goal and an assist.

After several successful seasons with Washington, his trade to the Detroit Red Wings in 2021 started a fall from grace, as the Czech winger has spent more time in the AHL than the NHL the past couple of seasons. Last year with the St. Louis Blues, he registered just two goals in 21 games, though fared well with the Springfield Thunderbirds in the minors, recording 16 goals and 36 points in 42 games.