ARLINGTON, V.A. — With the NHL Trade Deadline just 48 hours away, the Washington Capitals made a roster transaction, placing Jakub Vrana on waivers.
Per the team, the move allows for more cap flexibility for the team for the remainder of the season; he is currently on a one-year, $775,000 contract that he earned on a PTO at training camp. If Vrana clears, he will be assigned to the AHL's Hershey Bears.
The 29-year-old has had a rough go of it in his second stint with D.C., playing in just 26 games and picking up seven goals and four assists. He has gone long stretches as a healthy scratch with Ethen Frank recently joining the NHL ranks and securing a full-time spot in the lineup, and when he has dressed, he's had limited playing time.
Vrana opened up about his difficult journey over the last few years in a 1-on-1 with the Hockey News on Tuesday, saying that he still wants to prove that he's an NHL player, but the lack of playing opportunity has been one of many challenges after time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, waivers, trades and more since 2022.
"I felt like a broken glass, you can't put the pieces back together," Vrana said.
The Road Hasn't Been Easy For Jakub Vrana As He's Struggled To 'Put The Pieces Back Together,' But The Capitals Forward Refuses To Give Up
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Sitting in his stall after an optional skate — one he treats with full intensity as he goes through the motions as a regular healthy scratch — Washington Capitals forward Jakub Vrana stares down at his now-faded tattoo of two hockey sticks, three stars and the Stanley Cup that he got with his teammates after winning the esteemed trophy in 2018.
With Vrana on waivers, Washington frees up some cap space and will have a bit more to work with as it ponders moves before the deadline. General manager Chris Patrick said "anything is on the table" as the team looks to improve and bolster the roster for a deep playoff run.
Ryan Leonard could very well join the mix come spring, and another acquisition could also help bring in some more offense up front.
The trade deadline is at 3 p.m. on Friday; Wednesday marked the deadline for waivers.