Red Wings announce Jakub Vrana won't return....yet

The Detroit Red Wings were expecting to get forward Jakub Vrana back into their lineup at some point this week after he underwent a conditioning stint with the American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins following his return to practice last month. 

Vrana had spent nearly two months in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program for an undisclosed personal issue, but was reinstated by the program in mid-December and resumed practicing with the team. However, despite reports that he could suit up with the Red Wings as soon as Wednesday night against the New Jersey Devils, he'll be extending his conditioning stint with the Griffins. 

According to head coach Derek Lalonde, Vrana will be with the Griffins for another week, a total of three additional games. 

Despite having missed the first 3/4 of the 2021-22 NHL season after recovering from surgery thanks to an injury suffered in training camp, he still demonstrated a flair for scoring goals, tallying 13 goals with six assists in the 26 games he appeared in.

In the two games he's suited up in for the Red Wings this season prior to his entering the Assistance Program, Vrana tallied one goal and one assist.