Here's how Steve Yzerman described Jakub Vrana after acquiring the young forward in the trade deadline deal that sent Anthony Mantha to the Capitals.
"We describe guys as shooters or playmakers. I think he's more of a shooter," Yzerman said. "Good goal scorer."
And here's how the 25-year-old described himself, rather matter of factly, after his first practice with the Red Wings on Wednesday.
"I'm a strong skater, I got speed, I got a good shot. I can create offense, create some momentum out there," Vrana said. "Just help the team at the important moments on the ice."
The Wings and Blackhawks were tied at 1 in the second period Thursday night when Jeff Blashill sent Vrana to the box to serve a too-many-men on the ice penalty. The idea was for Vrana to hop on with Dylan Larkin and Filip Zadina when the penalty expired.
You know what they say about the best-laid plans. Just a year ago, Vrana was a star on the rise on a team in the spotlight. He was on track to score goals and chase Cups for years to come with the club that drafted him 13th overall in 2014. Then a new coach arrived this season, with a new system and a new vision, and Vrana's take-off stalled. Then he was traded to Detroit.
"I was shocked," Vrana said. "But when Steve called me, when somebody wants to give you a chance and wants you in their organization, it gives me excitement to come here and do my best to help this group build something."
As the final seconds ticked off the penalty, Larkin and Zadina were still on the bench. No matter. Vrana stepped on the ice just as defenseman Gustav Lindstrom collected the puck in front of Detroit's net. Perfect timing. Vrana took off toward Chicago's blueline and Lindstrom him in stride.
He's a goal scorer.
I got speed, I got a good shot.
Vrana cruised in on Kevin Lankinen -- 4-0 with a .962 save percentage against the Wings this season entering Thursday's game -- brought the puck to his forehand and made no secret about his intentions to shoot. And when he shot, he wired the puck past Lankinen's blocker to stake the Wings to a 2-1 lead.
Just help the team at the important moments.
Vrana's goal would prove to be the difference in a 4-1 win -- and in Detroit's first three-game win streak of the season. And this is why the Wings brought him here, because these moments are there for his taking. Vrana scored 52 points in 69 games last year while playing 14:53 per night. Only one other player among the NHL's top 100 scorers played less than 15:00 per night.
Over the past two seasons, Vrana ranks ninth in the NHL in five-on-five points per 60 minutes, sandwiched between David Pastrnak and Mark Stone. And he ranks third in five-on-five goals per 60 minutes. Only Auston Matthews and Alex Oveckin have scored at a higher clip. Vrana's consistently made the most of his ice time, and he's about to get a lot more of it in Detroit. He played 16:57 in his debut, a number that will only increase as he adjusts to his new team.
"He's been a 24-, 25-goal scorer (the past two seasons). The numbers are similar to Anthony's in a lesser role because he was playing lesser minutes on a much better team," Yzerman said. "We'll see how he does in an increased role here in Detroit."
He did pretty well on Thursday. His speed, his shot, his ability to create offense, it all flashed in four seconds. This isn't where Vrana envisioned himself at the start of the season, searching for a spark on a last-place team. But the Wings need Vrana, and Vrana needs the opportunity. Out of the box and into Detroit's future, maybe this is all perfect timing.
