Capitals Training Camp Battles: Jakub Vrana and Andrew Cristall

One of the interesting training camp battles for Washington Capitals fans to keep an eye on as the team gets closer to finalizing their roster is with the forward ranks. Two players trying to make the opening night squad are Andrew Cristall and Jakub Vrana. Both have fought hard during this camp and in the preseason. They both stand out as options for Washington to make the 23-man group.

Jakub Vrana’s Time Away from the Capitals

Forward Jakub Vrana has been a great story in training camp. He was a fan favorite and beloved teammate of the Capitals for parts of five seasons. He was a member of the 2018 Stanley Cup team. While in D.C., he produced the following numbers:

• 2016-17: three goals and three assists for six points in 21 games
• 2017-18: 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points in 73 games
• 2018-19: 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points in 82 games
• 2019-20: 25 goals and 27 assists for 52 points in 69 games
• 2020-21: 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points in 39 games

Vrana was then part of a trade package by then-GM Brian MacLellan to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Anthony Mantha. He was sent to the Original Six franchise along with Richard Panik, a 2021 first-round pick, and a 2022 second-round pick. Vrana played for the Red Wings for three campaigns before being dealt to the St. Louis Blues on March 3, 2023.

Jakub Vrana’s Return to D.C.

Vrana returned to the Capitals on a professional tryout agreement (PTO) on August 15. It was a move that fans and his former Washington teammates were happy to see. Tom Wilson said on Vrana’s return, “He’s a guy that just lights up the room when he walks in. It feels like old times having him around. You go through a special thing together and win a championship, and you have a bond for life, and just seeing him walk in the first day was a really cool feeling…”

Wilson also added, “He’s one of the best skaters out there and he’s got a ton of skill. He’s had some ups and downs in his career, like a lot of us, but he seems like he’s in a good spot right now, and I want him to do well. I’m excited to have him around. It’s been fun to just hang out with him, get him back in a Caps uniform, and Caps T-shirt, and hang out at the rink and stuff.”

John Carlson, another teammate of Vrana’s who was part of the 2018 Stanley Cup team, said, “…He’s one of my favorite young guys from over the years and he looks great. He looks fantastic out there…he’s been chomping at the bit to get another chance, and I think he’s ready to make the most of it.”

Andrew Cristall Growing into NHL-Worthy Talent

On the other side of the Capitals training camp battle is Andrew Cristall. Washington drafted him in the second round (40th overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He became a solid offensive weapon in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Kelowna Rockets. He has played in parts of four campaigns with the junior club, and took advantage of the opportunities on the ice. Below are Cristall’s stats from his four seasons in Kelowna:

• 2020-21: two goals and three assists for five points in 14 games
• 2021-22: 28 goals and 41 assists for 69 points in 61 games
• 2022-23: 39 goals and 56 assists for 95 points in 54 games
• 2023-24: 40 goals and 71 assists for 111 points in 62 games