Capitals Bringing Back Jakub Vrana On PTO, Forward To Compete For Spot At Training Camp

The Capitals originally drafted Vrana in 2014.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals are bringing back Jakub Vrana, as he will join the team for training camp on a professional tryout, the team announced on Thursday.

The 28-year-old has had a rough go of it for the last handful of seasons following time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, trades, waivers and time in the AHL.

Vrana, who was the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, spent the first eight years of his career with the Capitals organization. However, inconsistency and frustration with his role led to a trade in 2021, as Washington sent him to the Detroit Red Wings as part of the trade for Anthony Mantha.

The Czech winger had a strong start to his tenure in Detroit, but a shoulder injury would sideline him for the majority of the 2021-22 season. The following year, he entered the player assistance program and was sent to the AHL to play with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

He was eventually traded to the St. Louis Blues in 2023, and after putting up 14 points in 20 games to close out that season, he had just six points in 21 games before being waived and sent to the AHL again. In 42 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds last season, Vrana had 16 goals and 20 assists.

The tryout is a solid one for Washington. Taking Vrana on a tryout is a low-risk situation, and the upside and potential he's shown over the course of his still-young career is promising. Not only that, but Spencer Carbery has a track record of mentoring young players and getting them back to their potential, and he could do the same with Vrana.

Training camp opens in late September.