The Washington Capitals re-signed restricted free agent Jakub Vrana to a two-year contract worth $6.7 million, or $3.35 million per season.
We know you’ve been waiting on this one, Twitter Fam!
Washington Capitals have signed left wing @JVranaa to a two-year, $6.7 million contract ($3.35 million AAV)!
RT/LIKE/ALL THE THINGS FOR V! #ALLCAPS
More info: https://t.co/NURHKNAZin pic.twitter.com/QkDlSbsqYe
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) July 16, 2019
Jakub Vrana Re-Signs With Washington Capitals
Over his three-year NHL career, Vrana has solely played for Washington Capitals. He was originally drafted by the team in the first round (fourth overall) in the 2014 NHL draft. In return, the forward has put up 40 goals and 40 assists for 80 career points in 176 career games.
Last season was a career-best for Vrana with 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points. He also added 27 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 50.6 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 2.1.
The Capitals brass had nothing but complimentary things to say about the 23-year-old forward after inking him to a two-year deal.
“Jakub is a highly skilled player with a tremendous upside and is a big part of our future,” said Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan in a news release. “We are pleased with his development the past two seasons and are looking forward for him to continue to develop and reach his full potential with our organization.”
What This Means for the Future
Although notoriously difficult to remain a permanent fixture in the competitive Capitals lineup, the Czech native achieved 82 regular-season games for the first time. Certainly the young forward has faced criticism at times during his short NHL career, mainly labeled an underwhelming first-rounder. Because of this, rightly or wrongly, Vrana struggled to impress his coach Barry Trotz.
But it is firmly believed that the fast, skillful young forward has untapped potential and has shown more of this in the last season. The Stanley Cup-winning forward has faced constant movement mainly in the bottom six. However, with more experience and opportunity, he can be a real asset.
A disappointing playoff run leads to the Capitals making tough roster decisions. With limited cap space and only 16 players currently on the roster, younger players that do manage to solidify regular ice time need to step up next season. Player development and defensive depth are keys to this coming upcoming season.
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