Detroit Red Wings: Jakub Vrána scores in debut after long stint off the ice

The Detroit Red Wings have been without forward Jakub Vrána for the extent of the 2021-22 season. But, after a long wait, he was able to get back on the ice. The past month has been a lot of rehabbing and getting work in to ensure he could pick up where he left off from 2020-21.

When the Detroit Red Wings acquired Jakub Vrána, it was at the trade deadline in 2020-21 when they moved forward Anthony Mantha in a blockbuster trade. The change of scenery indeed benefitted Vrána, who went on a scoring surge before the season ended.

There was plenty of excitement for the 2021-22 season around Vrána, expecting him to be a goal-scorer in the team’s top-six. However, as training camp ramped up before this season, Vrána sustained a shoulder injury that would put a damper on his season.

After shoulder surgery and a five-month absence, Vrána was able to get back to 100% and make his debut. While there was not much excitement in the Red Wings’ recent contest with the Arizona Coyotes, resulting in an embarassing 9-2 loss to a 17-35-4 Coyotes team.

There was something to be excited about, though. It was Vrána’s debut, and in his debut, he was able to get his name on the scoresheet. He would tally one of the Red Wings’ two goals on the evening.

Detroit Red Wings Jakub Vrána scores in his long-awaited season debut.

It has to be a gratifying feeling for Vrána to get out on the ice again. After surgery and a long time spent in recovery and rehab, just being able to suit up for a game this year had to feel great. Let alone being back on the ice, Vrána was able to pick up right where he left off last season, tallying his first goal of the 2021-22 season.

It may not be some highlight-reel goal where he speeds in on a breakaway and pulls off a dazzling move. But in his long-awaited debut, Vrána was able to get the job done. If you watch the video, but you will see Vrána cruise in towards the puck scrum in front of the Coyotes net, the puck pops out, and then he makes a quick turn and fires it home.

It had to be an exhilarating feeling for Vrána, one that should leave Red Wings fans excited to see him back on the ice. With his goal last night, he has played 12 games in the winged-wheel jersey and has averaged a point-per-game with nine goals.

Last year, his 11 games with the Red Wings saw him pot eight goals and tally three assists for 11 total points, which was one heck of a welcome to his new franchise. It’s easy to see why there was a lot of excitement around him and his return to the ice.

Now that he is back, Red Wings fans can get excited to see him produce once again. It should also allow the Red Wings to add in some offense, something the team can always benefit from more of.