"I’ll have to break out my Vrana jersey!": NHL fans elated as Caps bring back Jakub Vrana on a PTO

Jakub Vrana is returning to the Washington Capitals for their 2024 training camp after signing a professional tryout (PTO) agreement. The Capitals announced this on Thursday, and some fans immediately shared their opinions.

Vrana was drafted by the Capitals in the first round in 2014 and played with the team for four-and-a-half seasons. He was part of the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup winning team. In April 2021, he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, and later moved to the St. Louis Blues.

Last season, Vrana played for the Blues, where he scored six points in 21 games. He was waived to the Blues' AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, and scored 36 points in 42 games.

The Capitals PR team took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the news with fans.

"Forward Jakub Vrana will join the Washington Capitals' 2024 Training Camp on a professional tryout agreement."

And it appears Capitals fans are excited about Vrana’s return.

"I’ll have to break out my Vrana jersey! Let’s go!" One fan tweeted.

"Cautiously overjoyed. Thanks @capitals . Good thing you're doing here," another fan shared.

"guess it’s safe to say we definitely won the mantha trade," a fan said.

Vrana has recorded 209 points (110 goals and 99 assists) in 367 career NHL games. Here are some more reactions:

"This this and this just made my whole day! GMBM going for it this year I love it. LETS GO CAPS!!!" a fan wrote.

"Love this, why not!? Vrana is one of those guys with legendary skill, unable to get past the demons." one fan said.

"I have such a soft spot for Vrana - such an early talent. Would love to wear his jersey to Cap One Arena again." another fan wrote.

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Jakub Vrana's challenges led him back to Capitals.

Jakub Vrana has faced many challenges in recent years. He played five seasons with the Washington Capitals in his previous stint. He was not playing well and he also became frustrated with his role, finally he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 2021.

But thereafter he was sidelined by a shoulder injury for most of the 2021-22 season. He entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. In 2023, Vrana was traded to the St. Louis Blues, but things didn't work out there, either.

Now, Jakub Vrana is back with the Capitals on a professional tryout agreement. The team sees this as a low-risk opportunity, hoping he can regain his form under the guidance of coach Spencer Carbery.