After he missed the last two games, the Detroit Red Wings placed forward Lucas Raymond on injured reserve today, retroactive to February 10. The team announced that Jakub Vrana has been recalled from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins to replace Raymond’s roster spot.
It’s an unfortunate absence for Raymond. Last Friday, he sustained a lower-body injury after colliding with teammate Ben Chiarot in practice. He’ll miss at least the team’s next two games, a back-to-back in Alberta against Edmonton and Calgary.
Again in a top-six role, Raymond has 15 goals, 18 assists, and 33 points in 50 games with Detroit. He’d yet to miss a game in his young NHL career until last weekend’s absence.
For Vrana, it’s been a long road back to the NHL since entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program last October. He was out of action for two months until returning to Red Wings practice in mid-December, but he hasn’t played a game for Detroit since then. The team assigned him a conditioning stint to Grand Rapids days later, where he’s remained since, clearing waivers in the process.
Vrana ended up suiting up 17 times for Grand Rapids, recording six goals and five assists for 11 points. It’s not the type of production you’d like to see in the minors from a player who’s been a bona fide top-six winger over the past three seasons. But the reported deteriorating relationship between Vrana and the Red Wings might need to be considered as a factor.
With this year and next left on a contract paying him $5.25MM per season, this could be a showcase move for Vrana. He does have some trade value, especially if Detroit retains salary, and especially if he can put up some points in his return to the lineup. The 26-year-old has been on pace for at least 20 goals in four consecutive seasons, although injuries and COVID have hampered his numbers since 2020.
This is now “make it or break it”, “prove it time” for Vrana…wish him luck as this move is nothing but a win-win for the Red Wings
Predicting now that Vrana thrives. He overcame his demons.
He doesn’t have any trade value if he cleared waivers
Sprong is a plus 1 and 37 points. I’d put him up on the third line with Veleno taking RW with Fabri and Fischer. Veleno and Fabri would compliment each other. Optionally Sprong to second line RW and the minus 12 Raymond to third line to get his D zone responsibilities firmed up.
It’s just so easy to make line changes without the knowledge or the responsibility of Coach!! (Smile)
Review:
Sprong a 43 point forward in 23-24 is gone along with the likes of Walman and others. If is feeling like the Wings have managed to trade/recruit low point scorers to replace moderate point scorers. Even Kubalik had 45 points yet others on 1/4 that pace remain firmly on the roster. What the heck is going on here?