Red Wings: Jakub Vrana Close to Returning to Lineup

The Detroit Red Wings are on the verge of their first playoff spot in years. The trade deadline is coming up, so this roster may look different in the coming weeks. However, they do have an impact player returning that could help them secure that playoff spot.

Winger Jakub Vrana is scheduled to join the Red Wings roster any day now, competing in practice without a no-contact red jersey on for the first time in a while. Vrana could jump-start an offense that has been up and down all season. Vrana has been outstanding when in the lineup.

Vrana, a 2014 NHL draft pick (13th overall) of the Washington Capitals, is a versatile, skilled player that can carry the play at any time. He has the ability to score from anywhere on the ice, making him dangerous when he is on the ice.

Vrana was acquired in a trade with the Capitals, along with Richard Panik, a 2021 first-round pick, and a 2022 second-round pick in exchange for winger Anthony Mantha. After the trade, he scored 8 goals and 3 assists for 11 points in 11games.

The Red Wings’ Jakub Vrana is close to returning to the lineup.

He does have a heavy, yet accurate shot that he uses with regularity. Vrana does have elite speed that he uses to create chances for himself and his teammates.

Vrana has been out since September 2021 with a shoulder injury that was later deemed serious enough for surgery on that shoulder and he has been out since. He has been practicing without the no-contact red jersey so his return is imminent.

Vrana recently signed a 3-year, $15.75 million contract with the Red Wings, but where does he fit in the lineup upon his return? One might say he fits in the top 6 but does he go in the bottom 6 to get his feet under himself and get adjusted to game speed once again?

Vrana and his return could be huge for the Red Wings and their push for a playoff spot. Vrana alone could be responsible for Detroit getting into the playoffs.