Report: Jakub Vrana could return vs. old team

The Detroit Red Wings are entering a crucial portion of their schedule that could very well determine whether or not they ultimately find themselves back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2016. 

After an impressive 4-1 Western road swing, they conclude their trip with a matchup tomorrow night against the Washington Capitals, whom they trail in the standings by a mere three points. And it could be a former member of the Capitals getting slotted into Detroit’s lineup for the game. 

According to multiple reports, the Red Wings could have forward Jakub Vrana, who has not played an NHL game since October 15, on the ice tomorrow evening at Capital One Arena.

Vrana spent nearly two months in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program for an undisclosed issue. He has since spent the last several weeks playing with Detroit’s American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins, and was recalled by Detroit last week. After a bit of a slow start in his return to professional hockey, Vrana caught fire by recording nine points in his most recent ten games. 

His potential presence in the lineup would help offset the loss of forward Lucas Raymond, who has missed the last six games after being injured in practice after a collision with teammate Ben Chiarot. Meanwhile, the Capitals are expected to still be without superstar captain Alex Ovechkin, who is back in his native Russia after the death of his father.

Tomorrow’s game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM EST.