NHL Daily: No Takers for Vrana; Flyers Go for 4th Straight Win

In a surprise, the Detroit Red Wings put left winger Jakub Vrana on waivers Tuesday.

It was just as surprising that no one claimed him.

Vrana has some baggage. He rejoined the Red Wings after spending two months in the NHL/NHLPA Assistance Program this season. He is now with Grand Rapids in the AHL.

Teams that did’t want to absorb his $5.25 million cap hit — his contract runs until after the 2023-24 season — could try to acquire him, believing Detroit will eat some of the salary,

Vrana, 26, has scored 22 goals in 39 career games with Detroit. The Czechia native has had 24- and 25-goal seasons with Washington.

In other news, the Flyers will play their first home game in 2023 Thursday and will try to extend their winning streak to four games, which would be a season high. They host Arizona, and Carter Hart is expected to return to action.

Cutter Gauthier, a Flyers prospect who could be in the NHL next season, had six shots but was held off he scoreboard Wednesday as Team USA lost to Canada, 6-2, in a World Junior semifinal.

For these stories, and much more, check out the NHL links below:

Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier and Team USA fell to Canada, 6-2, in the World Junior semifinals. And the Flyers announced that Carter Hart was activated off IR; he hasn’t played since Dec. 23. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: Phantoms defenseman Egor Zamula is trying to be more assertive as he attempts to work his way back to the Flyers. Ariel Melendez was in Allentown for the story. Philadelphia Flyers.

Detroit Hockey Now: Jakub Vrana cleared waivers Wednesday and his future is in limbo. He remains on the Grand Rapids’ AHL roster. Detroit Red Wings.

Boston Hockey Now: After being the hero in the Winter Classic, winger Jake DeBrusk will miss at least the team’s three-game road trip with a reported fractured fibula. That will cause the Perfection Line — Patrice Bergeron centering Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak — to be reunited. Boston Bruins.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins sent goalie Tristan Jarry back to Pittsburgh for an evaluation. He has an apparent left leg injury. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Washington Hockey Now: A December meeting helped turn around the Caps’ season. Washington Capitals.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Habs have done a good job of developing talent, and here are their breakout candidates for 2023. Montreal Canadiens.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: The Isles’ Aatu Raty has been productive, but has only received limited playing time. Stefen Rosner explains why. New York Islanders.