Jakub Vrana returning to form in AHL

The Detroit Red Wings raised eyebrows everywhere last month when it was announced that forward Jakub Vrana, who recently completed nearly two months in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and is currently on a conditioning stint with the American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins, was placed on waivers. 

However, he was not claimed by any of the other 31 NHL teams, and remains with the Griffins while he works to get his game back on track. And while it took some time for him to get reacclimated to playing professional hockey, the good news is that he seems to have found his scoring touch once again. 

He's scored six goals with two assists in his last seven games, a positive sign if ever there was one.

However, for fans wondering, the Red Wings haven't yet called his name for a return up to the NHL just yet. In their words, they're constantly in evaluation mode. 

"Of late, he’s been scoring a lot," Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde said of Vrana. "He also went almost a month with one goal in that league. So you are constantly evaluating and seeing where things are at."

It sounds as though the team would like Vrana to improve his back checking before a potential call-up.

"We want all of our players to be good away from the puck," Lalonde said. "I think him scoring goals of late is probably him tightening his game in other areas to put himself in that situation."

With 34 games left on their 2022-23 regular season schedule, the Red Wings are fortunate to be back to near-full strength in terms of health as they look to make a run towards one of the final two Wild Card postseason spots. Will Vrana's improved play in Grand Rapids soon warrant a return to the big club?