Detroit Uses Loophole to Demote Jakub Vrana Without Waivers

The Detroit Red Wings have reassigned F Jakub Vrana to Grand Rapids of the AHL. Vrana was recalled to the NHL just eight days ago, appearing in just 1 of Detroit's 4 games since then.

In that one game - against his former team, the Washington Capitals - Vrana played just 11:31 in 15 shifts, totaling 2 shots on goal and a plus-1 rating. He also served Dylan Larkin's penalty for cross-checking Capitals F T.J. Oshie. He basically got the grocery stick treatment.

Detroit #LGRW have reassigned Jakub Vrána to the AHL https://t.co/9Ykgo2gNVL— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) February 23, 2023

Fans of other clubs are already manifesting for their respective GMs to claim the forward off of waivers, but that won't happen. Per CapFriendly, Vrana is waiver exempt due to a loophole in the NHL's collective bargaining agreement.

Clearly, Vrana didn't impress in his brief stint back with the big club. Whether or not he makes his way back to the NHL with Detroit is unknown; unlikely. Steve Yzerman is many things, but predictable is not one of them.

Before the move, Detroit was maxed out on NHL contracts with 23, so reassigning Vrana gives Yzerman room to add another player, whether by call-up or trade. Given that the trade deadline is just two weeks away, one would not be shocked at all if the Wings decide to add.

As it stands, Detroit is just one win behind the Florida Panthers with 4 games in hand. Their chances at a postseason berth aren't terrible, so Yzerman could get active in the next fortnight.

When a player clears waivers, they are waivers exempt until:

1. They are on the NHL roster for 30 days, or
2. They play in 10 NHL games https://t.co/o8vfzvkWhN— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) February 23, 2023

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