Detroit Red Wings and Vrana $2 Million Apart in Arbitration Proposals

The Detroit Red Wings and top scorer Jakub Vrana are about $2 million apart in the salary proposals submitted for  Wednesday’s schedule salary arbitration hearing.

According to a Twitter post by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.ca, Vrana wants $5.7 million and Detroit is offering $3.65 million.

The $2.05 million difference explains why the two sides are headed toward arbitration. Historically, most cases are settled before they reach an arbitrator. Detroit Hockey Now’s originally projected Vrana’s salary at $4.25 million. If the arbitrator splits the difference between the two proposals, the award would be in the $4.5-$4.7 million range.

Vrana posted 19 goals in 50 games last season, including eight in 11 games with Detroit in 11.  Vrana’s salary was $3.3 million last season.

The Red Wings also still need to sign restricted free agents Adam Erne, Filip Hronek and Givani Smith.

Arbitration asks for Jakub Vrana (DET): Team, $3.65M. Player, $5.7M. Can still be settled before hearing.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 9, 2021