Red Wings officially bring back forward Jakub Vrana

This just in, the Detroit Red Wings have officially recalled forward Jakub Vrana from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. Incidentally, the team has also placed forward Lucas Raymond on injured reserve retroactive to February 10th.

Check it out:

The 26 year old Czech forward was placed on waivers back in early January and was assigned to the AHL after going unclaimed. He does have one more season left on his contract at a cost of $5.25 annually, which is likely the main reason why he wasn't claimed. He's not without value though... in the right situation Vrana can be an offensive dyamo. 

He managed 13 goals in just 26 games with the Red Wings last season. He has six goal and 11 points in 17 games with the Griffins so far this season. He did played two games with the Red Wings to start the campaign, but took a leave of absence to receive treatment through the NHL's substance abuse and behavioral program just days into the 2022-23 season. Upon returning though he was held out of the lineup and ultimately GM Steve Yzerman elected to waive Vrana and assign him to the AHL.

Now though, it appears that Vrana's back in the fold? And maybe he could take a spot in the top six? After all, it looks like Raymond will be on the shelf for awhile. Or maybe Yzerman has a trade lined up for Vrana? Honestly, with how well Yzerman manages to hold onto information we're only guessing on what he could be cooking up. Yzerman is this generation's version of Lou Lamoriello with how well he manages to keep things secret. For all we know he just traded Vrana to the Oilers for Connor McDavid...

As for Vrana, personally I just hope he manages to get his NHL career back on track whether it's in Detroit or elsewhere. The guy has stared his demons in the face and made the difficult decision to get help for his addictions despite knowing the effect that it would have on his professional career. Here's hoping he rebounds when he eventually does hit NHL ice again this season.