Red Wings' Vrana reinstated from assistance program, no timeline for return

Detroit Red Wings forward Jakub Vrana was reinstated from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program Friday, but head coach Derek Lalonde made it clear the team wouldn't rush him back into the lineup.

"It's just great to have him back ... able to practice with us. The next step is when we think he can be game ready," Lalonde said, per the Detroit Free Press. "Obviously, he's been out for almost two-plus months, it was his first skate today, we want to be really patient with it. ... We want to put him in the best position to be successful when he's game ready.

"When that's going to be, I don't know."

Vrana, who has only played in two games this season, entered the player assistance program Oct. 19.

The NHLPA released a statement earlier Friday saying Vrana is available to play after entering the follow-up care phase of the program. The 26-year-old skated with his teammates while sporting a blue noncontact sweater.

"It feels awesome, I'm so happy to be back, see the guys," a smiling Vrana told reporters after practice. "It was really positive. I'm just happy to be back here."

He added, "(I tried) to stay in shape as much as I could, and I felt really good on the ice. Now, it's just a matter of time. Obviously, that's not my decision, I just follow the orders and do the best I can every day to stay in shape and be able to help the team."

Vrana didn't get into his experiences with the program, only noting that "there's bigger things than hockey in life."

Detroit acquired Vrana from the Washington Capitals at the 2021 trade deadline. He was only able to play in 26 games last season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

The 2018 Stanley Cup champion has made a strong impact whenever he's been able to slot into the Red Wings' lineup; in 39 games, Vrana has chipped in with 22 goals and 10 assists.