ARLINGTON, VA — On Thursday, the Washington Capitals greeted a group of new ‌players at Training Camp, but for Jakub Vrana, it felt like⁢ a return to his roots. Drafted as a first-round pick by the Caps in 2014, Vrana spent ⁢five seasons in Washington, celebrating⁤ a Stanley Cup ⁢victory in 2018 before a trade sent him to the Detroit Red‍ Wings in 2021.

Having signed a PTO with the Capitals this summer, Vrana is back on the ice ⁢with the team. Although he recognizes that his‍ position on the roster isn’t guaranteed,⁤ his resolve to reunite with a‌ team that holds a special place in‍ his ‌heart drives him forward.

“I ⁣want to be part of this team. I love ⁣this team, and‌ it’s fantastic to be back ‍at camp‍ and give my all to earn a spot,” he expressed‍ on Thursday, later adding, ‌“It means a lot to ​me, man. This team holds‍ great importance in my life.”

The journey ⁢back to D.C. has not been easy for ⁣Vrana. He lost several ⁢months of the 2021-22 season ⁢due to a shoulder injury, playing only ⁢two games for the Red Wings before‌ entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Even after leaving ​the program, he faced challenges⁢ in regaining his former performance​ level and primarily ​played in the AHL for the ⁤Grand Rapids Griffins and the Springfield Thunderbirds.

“It was tough, man,” he candidly admitted. “I had ‌to face some challenges off the ice too, so it’s been⁢ difficult, but right now everything is fine. Everything is where it should be, and I’m here to demonstrate that I can⁣ still play.”

Vrana is not the only one thrilled about his return to D.C. While only a⁤ few players from his previous tenure ​with the Capitals remain, those who ‍have shared the ice with him in the past were‍ eager to reunite after years apart.

“I’m really excited,” said John Carlson. “I missed him. He’s been one of my favorite young players over‍ the ​years. ‍He looks fantastic out there, and I ‍can tell he’s eager for another opportunity. I believe ‌he’s ready to seize it.”

“He’s earned his way back to this team and has garnered affection from ‍fans and teammates alike,” Tom Wilson added. “He was a significant part of our organization for many years. Everyone you speak with wants to root for him; he’s ⁤such a good kid.”

Wilson, assuming⁤ a leadership position ⁣on the team, emphasized⁣ Vrana’s development through his challenges as ⁣he made his way ⁣back to D.C.

“Everyone battles their demons in life,” he noted. “There are ups and downs. From our conversations, I see he’s taking accountability and ownership of everything. He‍ wants self-improvement, happiness, and to ⁢find his rhythm.‌ It’s been wonderful to see him again. He is someone you always cheer ‍for,​ and I’d play alongside him any day. It⁢ was a joy to⁣ play together for so long, and I’m excited ‌to have him back. I hope he creates a stir, especially since there‍ will be competition for a few roster spots. So yes, I’m wishing him all the best.”

Alex Ovechkin shared a particularly⁢ close friendship with Vrana​ during their time in D.C., complete ⁣with puck-stealing antics and biting one another as a pregame ritual. Ovechkin witnessed first-hand the impact ⁤of Vrana’s trade away from Washington⁢ and continues​ to support ⁤him as he attempts a comeback this fall.

<p“When that trade occurred, of course, he was a bit upset because he was part of a successful team,” he said. “But he has experienced ups and downs, and I’m confident he‌ is now motivated to​ bounce back, play hard, and make smart plays.”

Vrana noted that he perceives little difference in‌ Ovechkin, the ⁣39-year-old captain, compared to the teammate he once played with.

<p“Not much has changed there, man,” ⁢he said with a smile. “He’s still ⁢the same. He’s great, and we still have a good laugh together; it’s fantastic to see him.”

Over a decade after the Capitals selected him, Vrana’s connections in Washington remain strong, even with his former teammates now in new roles:⁤ he mentioned ‌that he‍ still shares ‍laughs with Braden Holtby and Brooks Orpik—both now members of Washington’s development staff—whenever he encounters them at the team’s facilities.

<p“I believe that winning a Stanley Cup with someone always keeps the team bonded,” ‌he remarked,‌ adding, “You can ‌tell there’s something special about that.”

For an organization that has experienced considerable turnover in just the past three months, Vrana’s return evokes memories that are fading ​quickly. At the time when Vrana played his last ⁤game for ⁤the Capitals, there were nine players from the 2018 Cup-winning‍ squad still on⁤ the roster. Currently, only six ‌participated in last season’s campaign, and with T.J. Oshie’s⁢ back injuries pushing him away from the game, just three from that team are left.

Six years have indeed taken a toll on the Capitals, scattering players far and wide. But this time, one of those players might just ‌find his way back.

<p“Having him‍ around feels like the good old⁣ days,” Wilson said. “When you experience something special together and win a championship, it creates a lifelong bond. Just‌ seeing​ him walk in on the first day was an incredible feeling.”

Much has transformed since⁤ a 22-year-old Vrana lifted the Stanley Cup on that unforgettable day in Vegas. As a reunion becomes a distinct possibility, his roots ⁢in the District remain unwavering.

<p“Things ​have happened to me, but Washington will always hold a​ special place in my heart, and I have always⁣ wanted to⁣ play here,” he stated. “As I mentioned, this opportunity means a great deal to me. Numerous events transpired over⁣ the past few years, but I have put them behind me, and I’m ready to embrace this as a fresh chance to bounce back.”