New Predators Forward Could Become Nice Surprise

On March 6, the Nashville Predators claimed forward Jakub Vrana off waivers from the Washington Capitals. Seeing the Predators take a shot on Vrana was understandable, as they needed more forward depth. In addition, his $775,000 cap hit until the end of the season undoubtedly adds to his appeal.

While Vrana became the odd man out with the Capitals this season, he showed that he can still provide decent secondary offensive production even in a depth role. In 26 games with the Capitals before being claimed off waivers by the Predators, he had seven goals, 11 points, and a plus-6 rating. 

In his first two games with the Predators following getting claimed, Vrana did not record a point. However, he broke the ice in Nashville's last contest against the Anaheim Ducks, as he scored his first goal with his new team.

Vrana's first goal with the Predators was a nice, too. After receiving a feed from Brady Skjei, Vrana one-timed it home past Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal. This was a goal scorer's goal from the 29-year-old winger, and it will now be something he looks to build on from here.

If Vrana can continue scoring like this, he could be a very nice surprise for the Predators. He has the potential to produce solid offense when he's on his game, as he has 118 goals and 221 points in 396 career NHL games. Perhaps receiving more chances with the Predators could help him heat back up again. It will be fascinating to see if that comes to fruition from here.