Jakub Vrana returns to Red Wings practice on Friday

DETROIT -- Jakub Vrana is excited to be back.

On Friday morning, the National Hockey League announced that the Detroit Red Wings forward, who entered the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program on Oct. 19., returned to available status and entered the follow-up care phase of the joint program.
"It felt awesome," said Vrana, who skated with a non-contact jersey during Friday's practice at BELFOR Training Center inside Little Caesars Arena. "I'm so happy to be back and see the guys. It's really positive. I'm just happy to be back here."

Speaking to the media for the first time since entering the player assistance program, Vrana cited personal reasons behind his decision to receive care.
"There's bigger things than hockey in life," Vrana said. "You're gonna deal with some things that are bigger than hockey, or whatever it may be. You have to make some decisions that are important in your life."
Vrana said he worked hard to stay in shape while away from the club.
"I've been trying to stay in shape as much as I could," Vrana said. "I felt really good out on the ice. Now, it's just a matter of time."
According to Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde, there is no set timetable on when the Czech winger will be ready to play.
"It's just great to have him back and able to practice with us," Lalonde said. "Now, the next step is when we think he can be game-ready. Obviously, he's been out for almost two-plus months. It was his first skate today. We want to be really patient with it."

When Vrana does return to the lineup, it could provide a much-needed offensive boost for Detroit, which is currently battling through injuries to several forwards.
Robby Fabbri (lower body) is still working his way back after tearing his ACL in March. Filip Zadina (lower body) hasn't played since Nov. 5, while Matt Luff (upper body) has been out since Nov. 8. Tyler Bertuzzi (upper body) was placed on injured reserve for the second time this year on Dec. 1. Captain Dylan Larkin (undisclosed) did not play in Wednesday's 4-1 road loss against the Minnesota Wild after suffering an injury on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes, but practiced with a non-contact jersey on Friday.
"Goals are nice to come by," Lalonde said. "Especially with the type of players we have out. That's what he (Vrana) brings."
Vrana finished the 2021-22 season with four multi-goal games, tying the career-high mark he set in 2019-20 as a member of the Washington Capitals.
And since being acquired in a trade with the Capitals on April 12, 2021, Vrana has tallied 22 goals and 10 assists in just 39 games with Detroit.
"He's a natural finisher," Lalonde said. "His numbers prove that out. One of our top guys."