Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: Will Islanders Bite on Vrana?; Bruins Buying if Blues Sell

Published

1 year ago

January 4, 2023

Filip Hrone, Jakub Vrana, Detroit Red Wings

Should the New York Islanders consider Jakub Vrana?

New York Islanders Hockey Now’s hard-working beat writer Stefen Rosner wrote a piece about whether the New York Islanders should claim Jakub Vrana off waivers.

The Islanders could use another proven scorer. Another finisher would help their playoff potential.

General manager Lou Lamoriello could make Vrana’s $5.25 million salary work this season and next. On the plus side: He wouldn’t have to give up an asset to land Vrana. The only issue for the Islanders would be feeling comfortable with Vrana’s readiness to play.

The Red Wings haven’t said anything negative about Vrana, but a team doesn’t put a player with his skill on waivers unless they are unhappy with him.

Vrana doesn’t have to say why he was in the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program, and that’s the way it should be. But any GM considering a claim will obviously have questions.

What it boils down to with Vrana isn’t merely his cap hit of $5.25m this yr & next. It’s whether a GM is willing to take a flier on a 26-year old former Cup winning top-six guy who can really skate coming out of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

We’ll see what happens.

— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) January 4, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The Detroit Red Wings placed Jakub Vrana on waivers yesterday in what has to be considering a shocking development.

Nate Brown wrote Part 3 of a series focusing on 21 questions about the Red Wings heading into 2023

Bob Duff writes about the Red Wings were the first NHL team to carry three goalies on their roster. That was in 1968-69 when the team had Roger Crozier, Roy Edwards and Terry Sawchuk.

Coach Derek Lalonde has made it clear that he doesn’t want to send youngsters to the American Hockey League just because they are waiver-exempt.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The Red Wings (3-1-1 in their last five) are home tonight to face the New Jersey Devils. Robby Fabbri (knee surgery) is expected to play his first game of the season. Adam Erne is the likely scratch.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Why the Bruins are so interested in what is happening with the St. Louis Blues. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: Valeri Nichushkin, John Manson, and Pavel Francouz are all skating again for Avalanche. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: Matthew Tkachuk records his first hat trick as a member of the Panthers. Florida Panthers.

Montreal: The Canadiens’ Connor Bedard odds just keep improving. Montreal Canadiens.

New York: Stefan Rosner writes about whether New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello should consider claiming Vrana on waivers. New York Islanders.

Philadelphia: Promising Flyers prospect Bobby Brink (hip surgery) is ready to play, but he will start in the American Hockey League. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Tristan Jarry is hurt and Kris Letang is on the non-roster list because of his father’s death. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: What the Sharks think about Ryan Merkley’s trade request. San Jose Sharks.

Vegas: The Golden Knights’ top five surprising stories from the year. Vegas Golden Knights

Washington: Injured forwards Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson are getting closer and closer to returning. Washington Capitals