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Jakub Vrana received a warm and loud welcome from fans as he returned to the ice. After a rough three years, the 28-year-old winger felt happy with the crowd's support.
During a press conference on Friday, he said:
“I heard them. That was really nice,” Vrana said. “I’m really happy they supported me. They were loud, and it felt good.”
Vrana also reflected on being back with the Capitals, a place that still feels familiar to him.
"Yeah, not much has really changed. It's nice to be back here," he added.
Vrana's last few years have been difficult. Since 2021, he has been traded twice, cleared waivers and spent time in the minors. Now, on a professional tryout, he's looking to revive his career.
“My journey? It was difficult, man,” Vrana said (via nbcsports.com). “But I’ve put that behind me. I’m ready to see this as a new opportunity to bounce back.”
Vrana has scored over 20 goals in two seasons and was also a key part of Washington's 2018 Stanley Cup win. David Pastrnak, Vrana's longtime friend who trained with him over the summer, is hopeful about Vrana's chances this season.
“We all know he’s very fit, and he’s physically prepared. He looks very good and very in shape, so I really hope that he can get his career running again,” Pastrnak said.
Jakub Vrana understands that it's a crucial moment in his career, as his future with the Capitals depends on his camp performance. Fans are hopeful, and so is he, as Vrana looks to prove that he belongs in the NHL again.
Is Jakub Vrana securing a spot on the Capitals roster?
Jakub Vrana is pushing for a spot with the Capitals. The 28-year-old, on a tryout, scored his first goal for Washington since April 2021. Connor McMichael set up the goal in the first period of a preseason game against the Blue Jackets.
Vrana has improved after coach Spencer Carbery asked him to step up earlier in camp. His recent performances, including an assist in a win over the Devils, have boosted his chances for a roster spot. He's competing with the likes of Ethen Frank, Ivan Miroshnichenko and Pierrick Dube.
Carbery stressed the importance of these matchups for making final roster decisions as the Capitals approach their final preseason games.
“Yeah, (Friday is an important game), and we head to Columbus, and we’ll spend a few days there,” Carbery said (via RMNB). “So, it is a big game. It’ll be a mixed group. It won’t just be the group from Boston, it’ll be a more mixed group.”
Jakub Vrana's consistent play may help him secure a spot.
