Yahoo Sports For Jakub Vrana, D.C. Has Always Felt Like Home, And That Makes His Second Act With The Capitals Even Sweeter
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Jakub Vrana has been no stranger to change over the last few seasons. From D.C. to Detroit to Grand Rapids to St. Louis to Springfield, the 28-year-old has been around, but through it all, the Washington Capitals have always felt like home to him.
That makes this professional tryout with Washington even more meaningful, especially after a long summer where he was home in Czechia just waiting for one team to take a chance on him.
"Things happen to me, but Washington is always going to be in my heart, and I always wanted to play here," Vrana said.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Washington signed Vrana to a PTO this offseason with the hope that he could rediscover the play that made him a top pick for the Capitals back in 2014. And now, with training camp underway, it's up to him to turn that tryout into a full-time roster spot over the next couple of weeks.
"I want to be part of this team. I always love this team, and it's great to be back here for a camp and try my best to earn the spot," Vrana said.
This is more than just a roster spot to Vrana, though; it's a second chance and an opportunity to rejuvenate his NHL career after a rough handful of years.
The 6-foot, 190-pound forward had dealt with frustration and inconsistency with the Capitals back in 2020-21, which ultimately led to a trade to the Detroit Red Wings. There, he suffered a shoulder injury and underwent surgery, and then, off-ice issues would lead to time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Related: Capitals Monitoring Ovechkin To Open Training Camp As Captain Deals With 'Minor' Injury
Since then, Vrana has spent the majority of his time in the AHL as he's struggled to get his game fully back to where it once was.
"It was difficult," Vrana admitted. "I had to deal with some stuff off the ice, too. Things have been difficult for me, but right now, everything is fine, everything is where it should be."
That's all a thing of the past for Vrana, though. He said he's in great shape and physically feeling good to open camp, and he got off to quite the start, too.
The Czech winger led his group in skate testing, and in practice, was showcasing his speed and shot as he practiced on a line with Hendrix Lapierre and Ethen Frank.
"What I saw today was good. He was working hard. You can tell he's taking this seriously; he doesn't think anything is being handed to him," general manager Chris Patrick said. "That was kind of the point... he's in a group of several players that are in that position fighting for one or two spots."
“He’s one of my favorite young guys from over the years. He looks great, looks fantastic out there," John Carlson added. "He’s been chomping at the bit to get another chance, and I think he’s ready to make the most of it.”
As he looks to continue to stand out, Vrana is doing what he can to stay even-keeled and not get ahead of himself. Because ultimately, the goal for Vrana isn't just to make the team, but to send a message: he's still an NHL player.
"I still have a lot on the table. I just got to prove, I got to go step by step... I can be a part of this team," Vrana said, adding, "I feel great, and I still have a lot to prove."
READ MORE ON THE HOCKEY NEWS
- T.J. Oshie going on long-term injured reserve for 2024-25
- Capitals bringing back Screamin' Eagle as third jersey for upcoming season
- Andrew Cristall has sights set on making Capitals opening night roster after strong summer
- Expect big year for Rasmus Sandin amid upgrades on Capitals blue line
- Charlie Lindgren goes all out with new Capitals mask for 2024-25 season
