Jakub Vrana has played the unlikely hero role well in D.C. this season

Some players just look like their respective careers are on their last legs, and that could have been the case with one former Red Wings forward. You might remember Jakub Vrana, who lasted just 42 games in Hockeytown before he moved on to the St. Louis Blues and seemingly flamed out. 

Vrana, who scored 22 goals in those 42 contests plus another 10 assists, went to Gateway City in March 2023, but played in just 41 games while scoring a meager 12 times. Last season, he took the ice for just 21 games and netted two goals and six points, and things looked beyond bleak for Vrana heading into 2024-25. 

But, just as the Washington Capitals are enjoying a resurgent season this year while Alexander Ovechkin chases history, Vrana has more than been along for the ride. So far, he’s got four goals and 14 points in seven contests, with a 22.2 shooting percentage. Not bad for a player who’s seen just 10:18 of average total ice time, so it will be interesting to see if Vrana can keep up this play. 

Former Red Wings forward has been one of the more upstart players this year

But basic statistics don’t tell the entire story, and it’s what enticed me to write up this quick piece on Vrana. He hasn’t only been scoring, but Vrana has more than made the most of his ice time regardless of the situation the Caps have found themselves in, with an on-ice shooting percentage of 16.3, having been on the ice for eight goals at even strength. 

Further, he’s been doing his part defensively, with an on-ice save percentage of 94.9, and just three goals allowed while on the ice. While he hasn’t been on the ice often on the power play, just under eight minutes to be exact, Vrana also found twine once this season while on the man advantage. 

While Vrana is playing in another uniform, it’s still great to see him looking as though he’s bouncing back from what have been more than a fair share of struggles both in Detroit and St. Louis. If Vrana can keep up his stellar play so far, there’s a good chance he’ll get his entire career back on track. In just his age-28 season, Vrana still has a lot of time to make that happen.