Jakub Vrana calls out members of the Detroit Red Wings who didn't like him 'getting help'

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Andrew Loftus
March 24, 2023 (11:15)

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Newly acquired Jakub Vrana is not holding back his comments about how he was treated with the Detroit Red Wings. Vrana has openly stated that he was not given a fair chance by the organization, nor was he given a reasonable opportunity since he returned from the Substance Abuse Program. Detroit eventually ran out of patience with the winger and shipped him to the St Louis Blues at this years trade deadline. In fact, Detroit was so insistent on moving out Vrana they retained half of his salary just to move on from him.

I came back and felt like a new person. It was totally different. It's just that it was a little frustrating to me. expected a little bit more trust and a little bit more chance to kind of put the pieces together again. That didn't work.

I still think I did the right thing (in seeking help). Some people didn't like that and they didn't accept it .. Now it's a new opportunity. I cannot be happier to join.

Since being traded to the Blues it appears a fresh start was all Vrana needed. In just nine games with the Blues so far Vrana already has five goals and one assist. Where was that kind of production when playing for the Red Wings? Some might wonder if General Manager Steve Yzerman gave up on Vrana too soon. However, Vrana was give multiple opportunities within the organization and his work ethic was called into question on several occasions long before Vrana was traded. It is time for both parties to move on, but it is nice to see a player return from a bout of alcoholism and playing well in the National Hockey League again.