Future Watch: Jakub Vrana Hockey Rookie Cards, Washington Capitals – Jakub Vrana was selected 13th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft. At 5-11, he certainly had something to prove to Washington Capitals’ and pundits. He went back to play in Sweden last year to gain more experience. He also played in the World Junior Championships where he scored 9 points in 11 games for the Czech Republic. A nice start to a young career but he didn’t end it there.
He then got promoted to the AHL where he starred in 3 game for the Hershey Bears. Vrana scored five points and then he was added to the team’s playoff roster. He had a great run scoring six points in 10 games and fresh out of development camp he is expected to battle for a roster spot this year in Washington.
So far the Capitals are managing expectations for this 19-year-old but his coach, Barry Trotz seems to love Vrana’s play and something tells me this speedy winger has a shot to make the team. Only time will tell on that one.
Over a year ago in development camp he had some chemistry with Andre Burakovsky, another first round pick of the Capitals who managed to get into 53 games last year so there is a blueprint for this.
At just 19, Vrana is a fast rising star. Even though he doesn’t have his first NHL trading card just yet, a good set to find his autographed cards is 2013-14 In The Game Draft Prospects. Of course he’s not the only young star in that set so this is solid mid-range purchase. He also has cards, including autographs in the product’s follow-up release 2014-15 In The Game Draft Prospects.
Jakub Vrana also has cards in the relatively unknown Swedish Hockey League sets.
Chances are pretty good that he will suit up for the Capitals at some point this season. The most likely scenario being to temporarily fill in for an injured player. If that happens, Vrana has a shot a being a Young Gun in 2015-16 Upper Deck Series 2 Hockey.
Here’s a collection of his best highlights from 2014 World Junior Championship:
Here’s a look at his first professional goal with Hershey:
As you can see, this kid can snipe. Let’s see what happens this season.
Future Watch: Jakub Vrana Hockey Rookie Cards, Washington Capitals Image Gallery
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