Jakub Vrana is getting another chance in Washington more than three years after leaving DC. After sending down Ivan Miroshnichenko and Andrew Cristall Monday morning, the Washington Capitals are set to sign Vrana off his PTO and officially bring him back into the fold.
Head coach Spencer Carbery confirmed on Monday that Vrana would be on the roster when the Capitals kick off their regular season on October 12.
“That’s the expectation,” he said. “Nothing has been official quite yet with the contract registered with the league, but that’s the expectation.”
Vrana continued to skate with the team ahead of signing a contract, rotating with Sonny Milano on the third line at Monday’s practice at Capital One Arena.
Though Vrana confirmed that nothing was official just yet, he spoke Monday on what it meant to be a part of the Capitals once again.
“It’s just great,” he said. “I’ve been here before and I had a great time. It’s great to be back here.”
After winning the Stanley Cup with the Capitals in 2018, Vrana will now rejoin the Capitals after a difficult few years that saw him spend time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program. He bounced between the NHL and AHL once he returned, playing in both the Detroit Red Wings’ and St. Louis Blues’ organizations.
Tom Wilson, who played alongside Vrana for parts of five seasons, told reporters he was glad to see Vrana make the roster.
“[He’s] such a great kid,” he said. “I think he’s someone that we were all rooting for throughout camp. And it’s been a lot of fun to have him around the rink. He’s a guy that makes it a joy coming to the rink every day, to see a smile on his face. He’s a heck of a player, we’ve seen what he can do, and I think he’ll complement the group very well. He’s put in the work. I think he’s grown as a player, as a person. And I’m proud of him for where he’s at now. Hopefully he can help our team.”
Full Transcript
You’re still here. No contract yet but that’s good news for you.
Jakub Vrana: “Yeah, it’s really good news. Obviously happy to still be here and get to go at practice today.”
How cool is it to come back to DC?
Jakub Vrana: “On top of everything, just being able to get a chance to be back in the league and on top of everything, this organization and this team, it’s just great. I’ve been here before and I had a great time. It’s great to be back here.”
You’ve overcome a lot to get back here. How proud are you?
Jakub Vrana: “For sure, it’s a commitment. It’s dedication. I’m going to stay constantly working. So far I’ve been solid with that. It’s been fun.”
If you get a chance to take the ice on Saturday, what would that moment be like for you in front of Capitals fans again?
Jakub Vrana: “That’d be awesome. I’ve been here before. I got to win a Stanley Cup with this team. I’ve had a lot of flashbacks since I’ve been here with people, so that would be great.”
Have you bumped into any fans over the last few weeks?
Jakub Vrana: “Yeah, in Arlington, I’ve bumped into a few. I heard the cheering when I scored in the preseason game. That was really nice. I was really pumped. I really appreciate their support.”
You’re playing with Ovechkin, Carlson, and Wilson again. Have you guys talked about the 2018 Cup run?
Jakub Vrana: “I think, obviously it’s gonna always stick with us, but at the same time, we new goals and we’re looking ahead and have new goals for the season. We haven’t really talked about it. We have great memories together but we’re just looking ahead.”
