"Diplomacy is a Strength of the Detroit Red Wings" Today, the Washington Capitals announced that they would be signing former Red Wing winger Jakub Vrana to a professional tryout contract for fast approaching training camp. Vrana, of course, began his career in Washington, where he flashed potential as a scorer and won the 2018 Stanley Cup but eventually fell out of favor to his laissez faire attitude away from the puck. The Caps traded Vrana to Detroit at the 2021 deadline in a deal that sent Anthony Mantha back to Washington and didn't really work out well for anyone [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/players/former-red-wing-mantha-presented-with-golden-opportunity-in-vegas]. Feb 21, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Jakub Vrana (15) handles the puck against the Washington Capitals during the second period at Capital One Arena [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4NTg5NDQ1ODUzNjE5NTA3/usatsi_20051822.jpg] Feb 21, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Jakub Vrana (15) handles the puck against the Washington Capitals during the second period at Capital One Arena From Vrana's perspective, it kicked off a frustrating cycle: a flurry of goals upon arriving at a new home but exhaust his welcome with a lack of consistency and intensity away from the puck. It happened in Detroit, then happened even quicker after the Red Wings traded him to St. Louis in 2023. Last season, Vrana played twice as many games in the AHL (42) as he did with the Blues (21). Jun 12, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana (13) dances while being introduced during the Stanley Cup championship parade and celebration on the National Mall [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4NTg5Njc4MDUwNjE2NDkz/usatsi_10890747.jpg] Jun 12, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana (13) dances while being introduced during the Stanley Cup championship parade and celebration on the National Mall Now, Vrana may well have arrived at his last chance saloon, at least in so far as an NHL career is concerned. As the fact that he is signing a PTO rather than full contract makes explicit, Vrana is at the ultimate "prove it" moment in his career. If he can't earn a spot with the Caps come training camp, it's hard to imagine another team will come knocking. To make it work, he will have to deliver some of the offense that's long been his calling card, but Vrana will also have to work away from the puck too, practicing the habits defensively and on the forecheck that have eluded him. He has good memories in Washington, and Peter Laviolette's coaching staff that gave up on him the first time has been replaced by a younger and more progressive regime under Spencer Carbery. For a player who has battled injuries and a stint in the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program, here's to hoping Vrana can make his second stint in Washington a lasting one. ALSO FROM THN DETROIT Report: Axel Sandin Pellikka to Participate in Red Wings Training Camp Before SHL Season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/report-axel-sandin-pellikka-to-participate-in-red-wings-training-camp-before-shl-season] After Summer of Roster Change, Red Wings' Forwards Fit Roles Better than Before [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/after-summer-of-roster-change-red-wings-forwards-fit-roles-better-than-before] What Does a Successful Rookie Season Look Like for Simon Edvinsson? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/what-does-a-successful-rookie-season-look-like-for-simon-edvinsson-] Why the Broberg and Holloway Offer Sheets Might Speed up Detroit's RFA Process [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/why-the-broberg-and-holloway-offer-sheets-might-speed-up-detroits-rfa-process] Around the League: After Broberg & Holloway, Could More Offer Sheets Follow? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/around-the-league-after-broberg-holloway-could-more-offer-sheets-follow] Larkin, Red Wings Visit Goff & Lions Training Camp [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/larkin-red-wings-visit-goff-lions-training-camp] What to Expect from Detroit Red Wings’ “Healthy Competition” in Net [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/what-to-expect-from-detroit-red-wings-healthy-competition-in-net-] Where Does Albert Johansson Fit into the Red Wings' Defense? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/where-does-albert-johansson-fit-into-the-red-wings-defense] Can the Red Wings Improve Defensively and Get Younger at the Same Time? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/can-the-red-wings-improve-defensively-and-get-younger-at-the-same-time]
