Capitals Notebook: Vrana Puts In Work In Return To D.C., Protas Joins Mix As Informal Skates Continue, Thompson's New Gear

The Capitals are keeping busy as informal skates continue at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Jakub Vrana was all smiles as he stepped back onto familiar ice on Thursday, joining the Washington Capitals for their informal skates ahead of training camp.

The 28-year-old, who D.C. traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 2021, had been waiting for a call over the summer and was abroad when he finally landed a professional tryout with the Capitals for training camp. Now, he's hoping to try and compete for not only a contract but a roster spot on the team he started his career with following a couple of years of adversity.

On Thursday, Vrana showed just some of the work that he's been putting in, as he was going all out in the team's informal on-ice workout sessions. The Czech winger was in high spirits as he battled hard for the puck and showcased his speed and stickhandling.

It'll be a tough battle come training camp, as there's an influx of forwards joining the mix in D.C., but Vrana appears ready and eager for the challenge and wants to show that he can be a full-time NHLer.

Vrana was joined by the likes of Aliaksei Protas, who also made his way back to D.C. on Thursday, as well as Pierre-Luc Dubois, John Carlson, Matt Roy, Vincent Iorio, Alex Alexeyev, Alex Limoges, Patrick Giles and a variety of other players. Head coach Spencer Carbery also took in the first part of the skate while goaltending coach Scott Murray led the drills and skate test on the ice.

All the while, newcomer Logan Thompson was manning the crease in his new Capitals-themed setup with new pads and a new glove and blocker. Thompson's new setup bears resemblance to '80s goaltender Mike Palmateer, who had a similar design on his mask.

Informal skates will continue at MedStar Capitals Iceplex leading up to the start of training camp in mid-September.

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