Caps Make Signing Official; Bring Back 2018 Stanley Cup Forward

The Washington Capitals have made the news official this morning: they have signed forward Jakub Vrana to a one-year, one-way contract worth $775,000. The 28-year-old signed a professional tryout agreement with the club in August. He was one of a few forwards battling for one of the extra forward spots in training camp. It came down to the very end, but Vrana won himself a spot on his old team again. He last played for the Capitals during the 2020-21 season. Vrana was also a member of the Stanley Cup championship squad in 2018.

Jakub Vrana’s History in D.C.

Washington drafted Jakub Vrana in the first round (13th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He played in 284 games for the team and accrued 76 goals and 81 assists for 157 points in that span. He also played a key role for the Capitals during the 2018 postseason run for the Stanley Cup. He finished those playoffs with three goals and five assists for eight points in 23 games. Two of the goals he scored were game-winning tallies, while the third was the opening goal for Washington in their Game 5 matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final.

Vrana also produced his best statistical campaign of his career while donning the Capitals jersey. He notched 25 goals and 27 assists for 52 points in 69 games during the 2019-20 season.

Time Away From D.C. and Return

Vrana was dealt in a package to acquire forward Anthony Mantha from the Detroit Red Wings on April 12, 2021. He spent his time away from the Capitals playing some games for the Red Wings and eventually the St. Louis Blues. Vrana currently has played in a total of 367 career games. He has 110 goals and 99 assists for 209 points.