Washington Capitals: Top 10 Prospects Post-2015 NHL Draft
Washington Capitals #1 Prospect: Jakub Vrana
Position: Forward
Age: 19 (turns 20 in February)
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 185 pounds
Shoots: Left
The Washington Capitals drafted Jakub Vrana with their first round pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. So far, the Washington Capitals have been rewarded for doing so, as Vrana had success after briefly joining the Hershey Bears last season after his season in Europe was over.
"Talent Analysis Vrana has played against men for parts of two seasons already. A Czech who went to Sweden at the age of 15, his development has been steady while he’s statistically remained around the point-per-game level for Linkoping’s U20 team. Already a veteran of three U18 World Championships (recent silver medalist) and two WJCs, Vrana has grown into a leader and go-to player. He possesses good offensive instincts and a nose for the net. Vrana has a knack for timely goals and is unafraid to shoot from anywhere. He loves to come in off the right wing side and find the far inner goalpost. His release and accuracy are tricky for goaltenders. Strong laterally in movement and very good with the puck, Vrana has above-average creativity with it. He plays an unselfish game yet is more of a goal scorer than a playmaker. Vrana can have periods of time where he seems unconcentrated or simply not in the game and has been known to show frustration when certain things aren’t working or aren’t going his way. In terms of athleticism, he doesn’t yet have the size or frame to withstand the physical pressures at the pro level and his first few steps don’t generate much speed. He will need to improve his defensive zone game. Future Vrana signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Capitals in July 2014 before being loaned to Linkopings and returning to Sweden for his second SHL season in 2014-15. He is skating in a full-time role with the squad this year and has provided consistent secondary scoring. Vrana also skated in his second World Juniors tournament with the Czech U20 team. Long-term his offensive game and instincts seem well-suited or him to be a consistent scorer at the NHL level. To reach that point he must continue to develop physically and increase his consistency in all three zones. – Hockey’s Future"
Next: Washington Capitals Top 10 Prospects: Winter 2015