Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Red Wings Notebook: Vrana Sent Back To The AHL

Originally posted on Detroit Hockey Now | By Bob Duff | Last updated 2/23/23

Jakub Vrana’s stay with the Detroit Red Wings was a brief one, but there’s also the chance that his departure from the team won’t be a long one.

While no official announcement was made by the team, CapFriendly.com is reporting that Vrana has been assigned by Detroit to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. Vrana cleared waivers on Jan. 4 when he was sent to Grand Rapids. He was recalled Feb. 14. Because he has not played 10 games or been up for 30 days, he doesn’t have to clear waivers again.

The Red Wings didn’t practice yesterday or skate this morning (because of the ice storm). That means coach Derek Lalonde has not been available to explain what the Vrana decision means for the Detroit lineup.

Perhaps this means Lucas Raymond is ready to come back from injury, or it could mean simply that Filip Zadina is coming back into the lineup to replace Vrana.

It is unknown whether Vrana has reported to Grand Rapids or whether he is still in Detroit. The Griffins don’t play until tomorrow. If he is still in town, this could be a paper transaction. If Raymond needs more time, Vrana can be re-added to the roster. Vrana didn’t register a point in his one game since his recall, but played solidly against the Washington Capitals.

With a cap hit of $5.25M, Vrána carries a buried cap hit of $4.125M while he is in the minors.

He was recalled from the AHL on Feb 15th after being reassigned when he cleared waivers on Jan 4th. https://t.co/P7nz6HGcdy

— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) February 23, 2023

NHL Hits Larkin in Wallet

Meanwhile, captain Dylan Larkin will be back in the lineup tonight after being ejected against the Washington Capitals for a cross check to the head of Capitals forward T.J. Oshie. The league’s Department of Player Safety reviewed the play and gave Larkin a $5,000 fine, but no added suspension.

The incident happened in the first period, meaning Larkin lost his seven-game point-scoring streak. Larkin’s offensive surge has fueled Detroit’s recent success. The speedy center has seven goals and five assists for 12 points in his past eight game.

Pius Suter is the other hot Red Wing. He has netted five goals in his past five games to give him 11 on the season. He’s making a case to be re-signed this offseason. He can become an unrestricted free agent.

This article first appeared on Detroit Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: