Capitals Sign Jakub Vrana to Professional Tryout Agreement
The Washington Capitals are giving a familiar face another chance this fall, signing Jakub Vrana to a professional tryout (PTO) agreement. Vrana, a key player on the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup-winning team, now has the opportunity to earn a spot on the 2024-25 roster if he impresses during training camp.
Vrana’s NHL career has hit a rough patch, as he wasn’t signed to an NHL contract after his previous three-year, $15.75 million deal expired. Last season, he tallied 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) in 42 games with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds and added six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in 21 games with the St. Louis Blues.
While Vrana’s return to Washington is a feel-good story, Capitals senior writer Mike Vogel describes the move as a “no risk/high reward proposition” for the team, with no guarantees. As Vogel notes, most players on PTOs are released by the end of camp. The Capitals have had an active offseason, adding proven NHL forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois, Andrew Mangiapane, Taylor Raddysh, and Brandon Duhaime, and have several young prospects ready to make their mark. The competition will be tough for Vrana.
Vrana’s previous stint with the Capitals ended in April 2021 after clashes with then-head coach Peter Laviolette. Feeling pressure to act, GM Brian MacLellan traded Vrana and Richard Panik to the Detroit Red Wings for Anthony Mantha. MacLellan explained that there was a “tug of war” between Vrana and the coaching staff, leading to frustration on both sides.
Reflecting on the trade, Vrana expressed surprise, saying, “That was really tough. I didn’t expect it at all. I thought my position on the team with the Capitals, how I’ve been there since Day 1 since the draft, I thought I would get more opportunity and spend more time there, but unfortunately, that’s not what the management wanted.”
Jakub Vrana
Vrana scored 22 goals in 42 games over parts of three seasons with Detroit, but his time there was marred by a severe shoulder injury and a stint in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. After recovering, the Red Wings sent him to the AHL before eventually trading him to the Blues. Vrana showed promise with the Blues, scoring 10 goals in 20 games late in the 2022-23 season, but struggled to maintain that form, ultimately landing on waivers and being sent back to the AHL.
Vrana’s return to Washington coincides with significant changes in the Capitals’ leadership. Peter Laviolette and the Capitals parted ways during the 2023 offseason, and Anthony Mantha was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights at the 2024 trade deadline (Mantha has since signed with the Calgary Flames). Chris Patrick replaced Brian MacLellan as the Capitals’ GM in July.
Current Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery, who was with the organization during much of Vrana’s time in Washington, is known for getting the best out of his players. He previously coached the South Carolina Stingrays from 2011 to 2016 and the Hershey Bears from 2018 to 2021.
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