Former Capitals Forward Vrana Enters Player Assistance Program

Former Washington Capitals and current Detroit Red Wings forward Jakub Vrana is entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, the league announced on Wednesday.

Vrana will be out indefinitely for the club as he receives care from the program. He will continue to be paid while on leave and will return when cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators.

It is unclear what Vrana is entering the program for. He has been out for the Red Wings for “personal reasons” and was removed from the active roster.

The player assistance program started in 1996. Both the NHL and NHLPA fund the program. They provide support for players and their families with mental health, substance abuse and more. Counselling is also available to players.

Detroit released the following statement:

“The Detroit Red Wings are aware that Jakub Vrana has been placed in the NHL and NHLPA’s Player Assistance Program and that he will be out indefinitely. The Red Wings will have no further comments on this matter.”

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Vrana, who spent the majority of his career in D.C., was traded to Detroit in 2021 in exchange for Anthony Mantha. General manager Brian MacLellan said that the Czech winger was “frustrated” as he struggled with inconsistency and was scratched on a few occasions.

In 2021-22, Vrana underwent shoulder surgery and missed significant time for the Red Wings.

Over five years in Washington, the 26-year-old dished 76 goals and 81 assists for 157 points in 284 games. He also won a Stanley Cup in 2018. In 39 games with Detroit, Vrana has 22 goals and 10 assists for 32 points.

Vrana went in the first round (13th overall) of the 2014 NHL draft. In seven NHL seasons, he picked up 98 goals and 91 points for 189 points in 323 games.