Detroit Red Wings forward Jakub Vrana is now eligible to return to action after moving into the follow-up phase of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. According to a press release from the league, his care “continues to be administered” but the dynamic forward’s status has been changed to available.
Vrana entered the program in October and has played just two games this season. He scored 13 goals and 19 points in 26 games in 2021-22, and is on the second season of a three-year, $15.75MM contract with Detroit.
The team has not yet made any statement on when Vrana will be back in the lineup, but given the two months that it has been since he last suited up, it may take some time before he can contribute. The Red Wings are set to play the Ottawa Senators tomorrow afternoon. The team has enough cap space and roster room to activate Vrana if they choose to do so.
Good news and hope he’s recovered from his demons. This illness is horrible, but after he gets back in game shape by playing in Grand Rapids, the Red Wings will showcase him prior to the trade deadline. Have to believe he’s a goner as even though it’s unfortunate what he’s gone thru, doubt Yzerman will tolerate him being a disruption to the team. He lived with Bob Probert during his playing days and defended him, but when it got to the point where it became untenable the Red Wings were left with no choice but to cut bait. Not the exact same situation but seems similar enough for Yzerman not to want to deal with this again.
What are you implying??? There has been no talk of sending him down for a conditioning stint yet. He practiced with the Wings this AM.
sounds like you’re reaching… nowhere has anyone said this was a distraction, people go through stuff there is a reason why they don’t announce what someone is going through… this is why, BAD TAKE
Vrana’s situation isn’t the same as Bob’s who was a raging alcoholic & violent. If Vrana can maintain his sobriety, I think the team will support him & not simply discard him like garbage.
How do we even know his issues are alcoholism? He could suffer from depression, anxiety, a host of other unrelated issues. It doesn’t have to be due to the bottle.
In any case, I hope he is alright. These guys breathe every day of their lives to make it to the NHL. It is a lot of pressure, travel, time away from family, etc. I hope, whatever the issue is, it is resolved and he can begin focusing on life without an overwhelming demon.
He’s had big problems with injuries so it’s most possibly bottle or some snow that he tried to cure his soul with for some time now.