The Washington Capitals traded Jakub Vrana Monday. The deal was not just a difficult deal for many Capitals fans. It was also difficult for many players.
“He’s a nice person,” Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan told a news conference.
Despite being only 25, Vrana has been in Washington for almost a decade. Vrana, who was first drafted in 2013, blinded his stick handling during development camps, drafted teasing numbers overseas and in the AHL, and eventually became a full-time NHL player in 2017-18. That year, Vrana helped the Capitals win their first ever Stanley Cup and win the fifth championship. His championship tattoos and Instagram stories from the celebration are the legend.
Vrana’s optimism, talent and creativity caught our attention. His kindness and friendship with his teammates will make him hard to forget.
TJ Oshie
Oshie, who is on a I love your husband t-shirt with Vrana last season celebrating their bromance, tweeted to his former teammate: “It was nice to see you grow Liney! @DetroitRedWings you [so sic] to get a good kid and a good player. Good luck @VranaJakub. I miss your partner. ‘
It was nice to see you grow Liney! @DetroitRedWings you get a good kid and a good player. Strength @VranaJakub. I miss your partner https://t.co/J2M7XuxVJh
– TJ Oshie (@ TJOshie77) 12 April 2021
Here are some fun links that capture their special friendship:
Tom Wilson
Tom Wilson posted two photos with Jakub celebrating the team’s Stanley Cup championship. “What a wonderful start by your fellow brother, good luck in the next chapter !! #OTH ”
Michal Kempny
Kempny posted a photo of himself, Vrana, and Jakub Jerabek holding the Stanley Cup together. All three players were of Czech descent. “The worst part of trading is going to see one of your favorite people in your team go who you can actually call a good friend,” Kempny wrote. ‘What wonderful memories we have gathered that I will never forget, I will miss you very much and I wish you well in your next chapter. See you in 🇨🇿 @jakubvrana ”
Kempny and Vrana worked together during the off-season. Recently, Kempny Jakub had his newborn son Adam meet. He calls him Uncle V.
Vitek Vanecek
Finally, Vitek Vanecek draws on our heartstrings. ‘Thank you for the incredible 6 years, you stand by my side, you helped me when I needed it, it was a wonderful time with you! I wish you all the best! I miss you already brother 🤍 ”
Vrana translated for Vanecek when he first arrived in DC and the two are best friends.
Other tributes include:
Inscription photo: Elizabeth Kong / RMNB