Former Vancouver Canucks Forward Jakub Vrana's Career Now Takes An Unexpected Turn
Photo credit: Nick Wass/AP
A former first rounder and top young forward in the NHL has seemingly run out of rope in North America, as 29 year old Jakub Vrana appears poised to move his career to Europe after failing to secure an NHL deal.
While earlier reports of Vrana signing in Europe have been shut down, it appears more likely now that the once promising scoring winger will be on his way to Sweden for the upcoming season.
End of the line for Jakub Vrana
After being selected 13th overall by the Washington Capitals in 2014, Vrana joined the Capitals on a full time basis in 2017-18 and his career started out with a bang, winning the Stanley Cup with the Capitals that season
Vrana quickly adapted to the rigours of the NHL, becoming a 25 goal and 50 point forward as soon as his second season, and after being dealt to the Detroit Red Wings in 2021, Vrana took his scoring up another level by finishing the season as a point per game player.
While 2021-22 started strong for Vrana with 19 points in 26 games, it came as a shock when it was announced that he would be leaving the team and entering the player assistance program.
Shortly after his return from the program, Vrana was sent to the AHL, and eventually made his way to St. Louis where, once again, he had a strong start before fizzling out.
This past season, Vrana hoped a return to Washington might help him put his career back on track, but he was eventually flipped to Nashville where he was used sparingly.
An announcement that Vrana will sign with Linkoping HC for the upcoming season is expected in the coming days, as the now veteran forward returns to Sweden and the team he played for before being drafted.
TRENDING NOW
