Vrana signs a surprising NHL contract

This just in, unrestricted free agent Jakub Vrana has signed a professional tryout (PTO) contract with the Washington Capitals.

Vrana, of course, began his career with the Capitals before being shipped to the Detroit Red Wings in a blockbuster trade involving Anthony Mantha. Vrana signed a three year $16 million deal with the Red Wings but missed considerable time due to injury and to a prolonged stint in the NHL's Player Assistance Program. 

Ultimately Vrana was waived and then traded t the St. Louis Blues last year. After missing practices for undisclosed reasons the Blues waived Vrana and then attempted to trade him to no avail. He played out the balance of the 2024 campaign in the AHL playing for the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Here's hoping that the talented but troubled Czech forward can get his career back on track in familiar territory.