Steve Yzerman hits ANOTHER home run!
The Detroit Red Wings announced that they have extended forward Jakub Vrana's contract for three years. This deal will pay him $5.25 million annually per season. This will allow them to avoid arbitration. Another masterful move by Steve Yzerman.
Vrana was acquired at the trade deadline along with a first and second round pick and Richard Panik from the Washington Capitals in return for Anthony Mantha. Basically, this deal was a huge steal on Yzerman's part, as it would not be bold to say that Vrana is as good, if not a better hockey player than Mantha. On top of that, he managed to acquire a good scorer in Richard Panik and two excellent draft picks... In short, a real steal.
Plus, Yzerman just acquired the services of Vrana for a salary as low as $5.25 million per year... Is this a joke? Let's remember that the two parties were very far from an agreement yesterday, when Vrana asked for a salary of $5.7 million per year, while the Red Wings offered $3.65 million... "Stevie Y" has obviously changed his mind, practically giving in to Vrana's true demands. However, it is justified.
Vrana had a total of 11 points, including 8 goals, in 11 games with the Red Wings. Do I need to say it again? The Red Wings. A team that was sorely lacking in offense over the past few seasons and Vrana managed to score 8 goals in 11 games with them? Pretty phenomenal, isn't it?
Plus, according to several advanced stats, Vrana is among the best five-on-five scorers since he arrived in the NHL in 2016-2017.
In all honesty, I thought Vrana was going to command a salary in the $6-7 million per season range, signed long-term, but he instead opted for a three-year bridge contract at $5.25 million per year. It will be an important three seasons for the 25-year-old, who will clearly be one of the key pieces to the Detroit Red Wings' revival.
