Red Wings' Vrana clears waivers

Detroit Red Wings forward Jakub Vrana cleared waivers Tuesday, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Vrana has only played two NHL games this season and was reinstated from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program on Dec. 16. He was subsequently assigned to the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins for a conditioning stint, which Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde said Monday would be extended for its full two weeks.

The Red Wings needed to clear a roster spot to accommodate Robby Fabbri's return to action Wednesday. Fabbri hasn't played this season due to recent ACL surgery.

Vrana carries a $5.25-million cap hit for this season and next before hitting unrestricted free agency. Detroit acquired him from the Washington Capitals in a blockbuster deal at the 2021 trade deadline, but he's only appeared in 39 games since because of injuries and his time in the assistance program.

The 26-year-old has been productive for Detroit when healthy, though, recording 22 goals and 10 assists.

Vrana was the 13th overall pick in 2014. He's collected 189 points in 323 career games and helped Washington win the Stanley Cup in 2018.

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