TRAVERSE CITY — Jakub Vrana, one of the Detroit Red Wings’ top forwards, lasted only a few shifts his first day of training camp.
Vrana just joined the Wings on Saturday, landing Friday in Detroit and then proceeding north after being held up in his native Czech Republic because of visa issues. The Wings started a six-day camp Sept. 23 at Centre Ice Arena.
“Jakub hurt his shoulder without the first 10 minutes of practice,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “He’ll be re-evaluated and we’ll see where he’s at.”
Vrana, 25, was acquired in April at the trade deadline, part of the deal that sent Anthony Mantha to the Washinton Capitals and also gave the Wings a first- and second-round draft pick. Vrana went on to record 11 points in 11 games in a Wings uniform.
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“We didn’t have a chance to meet in person yet,” Blashill said. “I did talk to him quick this morning. But what I did talk to him about a season ago when he got traded to us is, there’s real opportunity and with that comes responsibility. We can’t afford for him to be a passenger, who does it right some nights and some nights doesn’t and somebody else carries the mail. We need him to be one of our drivers. He seemed to be excited about embracing that opportunity.”
Vrana was expected to get a look on a line with Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi, and with Pius Suter and Robby Fabbri.
If the Wings have juggle lines without Vrana, it could present an opportunity for Bobby Ryan. He’s at camp on a tryout, and he showed at the start of last season how well he jelled with Fabbri and Filip Zadina.
“He did a great job last year and he’s rehabbed from his injury and he looks great,” Fabbri said. “He’s a great guy to have around the room and be with the guys. Everyone is happy to have him back. If you look throughout his career, he’s been a very productive player, and a lot of that goes to his smarts and putting himself in the right spot. he’s got a quick releae and a great spot. He’s been looking good so far.”
Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter. Her book, The Big 50: The Detroit Red Wings is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Triumph Books. Personalized copies available via her e-mail.