3 Early Extensions the St. Louis Blues Should Pursue

3. Jakub Vrana

Jakub Vrana was acquired from the Detroit Red Wings last season in exchange for Dylan McLaughlin and a 2025 seventh-round pick. Meanwhile, Detroit is also paying 50 percent of his salary for the remainder of the year.

Vrana was a dynamic offensive player early in his career with the Washington Capitals. He recorded 76 goals and 157 points in 284 games with the Capitals before moving to the Red Wings for three seasons.

With Detroit, he was never really ever to recapture any of his magic with Washington. He only managed to see 42 NHL games in three seasons with the Red Wings and managed 22 goals and 32 points.

Like Kapanen, he struggled with off-ice issues with the Red Wings, leading to his being placed on waivers and his eventual trade to the Blues. With his performance in 21 games with St. Louis last year, the trade seems to be working for all parties.

His contract is expiring at the end of the season, and if he returns to his consistent 25-goal scoring ability, it would make a lot of sense for St. Louis to lock Vrana up as the 27-year-old would seem to be turning a corner in his career.