Huge surprise on waivers: it's finally the league's second-leading scorer, at five-on-five, who is available for free in Jakub Vrana

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MarcO
January 4, 2023 (1:39 PM)

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While we are minutes away from knowing the verdict for Jakub Vrana, who is currently on waivers and will know his fate at 2:00 p.m., we just came across a major stat.

Some fans thought we were overstating the case, saying that this is a huge upset and saying that Kent Hughes should definitely take advantage of it, but here's a stat that says it all.

"Since 2020-21, Vrana ranks 2nd in the entire NHL, behind only Auston Matthews, in goals scored at 5-on-5 per 60 minutes." - JFresh

Worth repeating and rephrasing. Since 2020, Vrana is the second-leading scorer in the entire NHL (per 60 minutes) at five-on-five. He's ahead of Alex Ovechkin, ahead of Connor McDavid, in short, ahead of everyone except Auston Matthews.

When we say that Cole Caufield could use some help and that the Montreal Canadiens could really benefit from another goal scorer, well here is one available for free.

Even if he is not claimed from waivers, Kent Hughes could still try to get him in a trade involving another Habs forward.

The reputable Johnston adds another layer:

"Can't recall many NHL waiver situations more interesting than the one with Jakub Vrana.

From 2019-20 through 2021-22 he was second overall in 5-on-5 goals per hour, according to @NatStatTrick. And he's still just 26 years old.."

And Johnston added that, according to his sources, there are no "hidden flaws. Vrana is ready to play and ready to perform.

Basically, according to Johnston's information, the Red Wings would have simply placed Vrana on waivers so they could make room in their lineup. They chose Fabbri and Bertuzzi over Vrana.

The only "snag" is his $5.25 million annual salary for another year and a half, but for a player who can put up 70-80 points and is only 26 years old, it could be worth it.

If it was your decision, would you claim Vrana? It could make for a solid top-6 winger who is only 26 years old. It might be tempting to replace an Evgenii Dadonov or Joel Armia with Vrana.

Please note that the Montreal Canadiens currently have the sixth right (out of 32) to claim players from waivers.