Capitals sign Vrana to 1-year deal after PTO

The Washington Capitals signed forward Jakub Vrana to a one-year, $775,000 contract Monday after he joined camp on a professional tryout.

This will be Vrana's second tour of duty with the Capitals. He was a first-round pick in 2014 and played four seasons in D.C. before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 2021.

Vrana entered the player assistance program during the 2022-23 season and was later traded to the St. Louis Blues.

His production has declined steadily since leaving Washington. His best seasons came in 2018-19 and 2019-2020 when he scored 24 and 25 goals, respectively. He was also a member of the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup-winning roster.

Washington opens its season Oct. 12 against the New Jersey Devils.