Jakub Vrana is getting another chance this season with the Red Wings. It may be his last.
Vrana was recalled from Grand Rapids on Tuesday after the Red Wings placed Lucas Raymond on injured reserve. Vrana, who hasn't played for Detroit since the second game of the season and was sent to the AHL after clearing waivers last month following a stint in the NHL's Player Assistance Program, will join the Wings on their five-game road trip, which continues with a back-to-back against the Oilers and Flames Wednesday and Thursday.
The 26-year-old winger has been heating up in Grand Rapids, with six goals and 10 points over his past nine games. If he earns a spot in Detroit's lineup, Vrana can give the club a much-needed offensive boost. It could also be an opportunity for the Red Wings to showcase him ahead of the March 3 trade deadline.
Vrana is signed through next season with a cap hit of $5.25 million, but GM Steve Yzerman might prefer to move him considering he's played just 39 games in parts of three seasons with Detroit. He could also be a buyout candidate this summer. Then again, when healthy, Vrana has proven to be just the kind of goal-scorer the Red Wings are missing.
We'll see how long the Wings are without Raymond, who was originally deemed day-to-day after suffering a lower-body injury from a collision in practice last week. But his absence opens an opportunity on Detroit's top line and its first power play and heightens the need for more offense. Vrana is a natural candidate to fill the void.
If and when he's called upon, it's not too late for Vrana to salvage his season -- and perhaps his time with the Red Wings.
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