Reporter Reveals Why Steve Yzerman Waived Jakob Vrana
It shocked the hockey world when the Detroit Red Wings placed Jakub Vrana on waivers.
Vrana, who was nearly a PPG last season, spent over two months in the NHLPA's player assistance program. Upon his return he was almost immediately waived, and after going unclaimed, was assigned to Detroit's AHL affiliate, Grand Rapids.
A reporter took reflection upon an interview he had with GM Yzerman, and came up with this explanation:
I remember a few years ago doing an interview with Steve Yzerman (still a player at the time), talking about opportunities being «deserved." The move was jarring when I first saw it, but the more I thought about it, the more I got it.
Vrana's struggled in his return to the AHL, while some of Detroit's younger players, particularly, Jonatan Berggren, grabbed the NHL opportunity. Head coach Derek Lalonde initially said he wanted to keep his young players in the lineup when Robby Fabbri returned, but the final decision was his GM's. Yzerman's a big believer in playing those who deserve to play. And, when you're trying to build yourself into a winner, you have to stick to that.
Vrana's struggled in his return to the AHL, while some of Detroit's younger players, particularly, Jonatan Berggren, grabbed the NHL opportunity. Head coach Derek Lalonde initially said he wanted to keep his young players in the lineup when Robby Fabbri returned, but the final decision was his GM's. Yzerman's a big believer in playing those who deserve to play. And, when you're trying to build yourself into a winner, you have to stick to that.
Hopefully Vrana will earn his opportunity to shine back in the NHL soon.
Source: Blade of Steel
| POLL | ||
Did Steve Yzerman make the right move by waiving Jakub Vrana? | ||
| Yes | 43 | 75.4 % |
| No | 14 | 24.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
