Washington Capitals‘ 1st round pick in the 2014 draft (#14 overall) Czech Republic-born left wing Jakub Vrana(13) first came over after playing two years in the SHL for Linkoping HC as a 17 and 18 year old skater.
His first games late last season were on reassignment to affiliate Hershey Bears as they were pushing for a playoff berth.
In three AHL games he struck for 5 assists then added another 6 points int he postseason.
Through only 38 minor league games (the other half lost to injury) as a rookie he was able to produce a healthy balance of 16 goals and 18 assists and then on the way to the Calder Cup Finals added another 14 more points with a +8 rating in 21 contests.
The now 20-year old started what is considered his rookie campaign (and only the first of his three year entry level deal due to a pair of under-age slides) in the minors as almost a point per game skater but has since been recalled.
At 6′ 195 lbs. he isn’t exactly a big guy on the ice but skates a very strong style and has a first NHL goal and two assists with a +2 in 12 games so far.
The future looks bright for the player but he’s going to need to play at a top level.