Vancouver Canucks mascot waving the flag with former first round pick Jakub Vrana

Photo credit: Canucks Army

The Vancouver Canucks have not had a lot of luck in singing any big ticket free-agents this summer, and now one of their top targets has decided to abruptly end his NHL career at just 29 years old in order to sign overseas.

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin had high hopes coming into the offseason, stating his priorities and plan in order to fill the necessary holes in the lineup to not have the 2024-25 season repeat itself.

The Canucks took a look a claiming Vrana back in March when he was placed on waivers by the Capitals, but decided not to pull the trigger.

Since then, there were rumblings that Patrik Allvin might give the young forward a chance this offseason with a one-year deal, but clearly, Vrana had other plans.

Rumours are now confirmed as Jakub Vrana officially signs in Sweden with Linkoping HC

“Jakub Vrana tells Puckempire that the reports out of Europe were false and he has not signed yet.

He is still in talks with Linkoping HC and there is a likelihood that he signs there, but it is not confirmed yet as he converses with other teams in Europe.”

Just a few days after he made it clear that he had not put pen to paper in Sweden, it was announced on Friday that the former first-round pick and Stanley Cup Champion has officially signed a two-year contract with Linkoping HC.

A warm welcome back to Linköping Hockey Club, Jakub Vrána!

The 29-year-old forward Jakub Vrána has signed a two-year contract with Linköping Hockey Club.

Vrana split the 2024-25 season with the Washington Capitals and Nashville Predators; where he signed a Professional Tryout (PTO) with the Capitals after being unable to find a solidified deal with any other NHL club.

After showing his worth, he was quickly signed to a one-year deal but was later placed on waivers by the Capitals and then claimed by Nashville, where he finished the campaign with just 9 goals and 5 assists for 14 points in 39 total games.

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Vancouver Canucks Free Agent Target & Stanley Cup Champion Abruptly Ends NHL Career at Just 29 Years Old

Do you think the Vancouver Canucks should have pull the trigger on signing Jakub Vrana to a short-term contract this offseason?