Former 13th overall pick amongst several shocking free agents still available on the open market
Photo credit: Jess Starr / Hockey Writers
A former Detroit Red Wings player and former 13th overall pick remains available to NHL teams ahead of the next season.
Despite getting strong interest from European teams, Jakub Vrana appears to be looking to return to the NHL next season.
Among the interested teams is the Sparta Prague, in the Czech Extraliga. The organization wants to sign Vrana for the 2025-26 season, but the 29-year-old forward made it clear that he would prioritize returning in the NHL.
Sparta's sporting director Tomas Divisek revealed:
"We talked to him, we approached him. I think he will wait until the last possible moment. He wants to try to return to America, that's clear. He is waiting. He believes he can still make it there."
Last season, Vrana earned a spot with the Washington Capitals on a professional tryout before splitting time between Washington and the Nashville Predators.
In 39 total games, he scored nine goals and five assists, a respectable contribution for someone bouncing between systems and roles.
During his stint with Detroit from 2021 to 2023, Vrana scored 22 goals in just 42 games. Projected over a full season, that's the pace of a 43-goal scorer, an elite number by any measure.
Jakub Vrana could be leaving North American hockey scene
Outside of the Czech Republic, Sweden is another potential destination. Linkoping, Vrana's former SHL team, is reportedly in the mix.
"Vrana is from Prague. He grew up in Letnany, which is a bit of a plus for us. But he is actually at home in Sweden too. We compete with him here.
We're giving him time. We know that we would be interested in such a quality player."
We're giving him time. We know that we would be interested in such a quality player."
For now, Jakub Vrana remains without an NHL contract, but it could change soon. If no deal come his way, he'll likely return to Europe.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 25 | 76 ANSWERS Former 13th overall pick amongst several shocking free agents still available on the open market Do you think Jakub Vrana will play in the NHL next season? | ||
| Yes | 23 | 30.3 % |
| No | 53 | 69.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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