Benched Star Does Not Hold Back In Recent Interview

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Tom Banks
October 30, 2023 (5:51 PM)

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The St. Louis Blues have made some intriguing moves in the past few years, and one of those moves was landing veteran forward Jakub Vrana, who has shown in the past that he can be a solid contributor for very good teams.

Healthy scratches

Despite this, the Blues have scratched him from two straight games, and now, the 27-year old has responded in his first interview with the media since the benching began.

I can't say I'm happy about it, but it is what it is at this time right now. The reaction is what matters right now. I'm going to keep working on me and I'm going to keep working on my game. Hopefully I get the chance to be back and show what I can do.

With three points in his five games this season, Vrana knows he can be better, and the Blues are hoping that when he gets back into the lineup, this has lit a fire under him that could spark a big breakout year.

A veteran forward

The veteran forward has been in the NHL for eight seasons now, with 47 and 52 points in a season for the Capitals early in his career, and now, the Blues are hoping that they can once again unlock that type of player in Vrana.

It appears he'll be back in the lineup when the team next take the ice against the Colorado Avalanche, and in the interview, Vrana reveals what he needs to improve upon in order to get back to his very best in the NHL.

I definitely think there's always (room for) improvement. I think there's always things like managing the puck a little better, being strong on the puck, holding on to it more, and playing with it in the good areas. I think that could be improved, for sure.

I got my message. They said, �You've got to be better.' I accept it as it is. I respect what the coach wants from me. We've got a whole season to play, and I want to be part of this team. I'm happy here, and I'm going to prove it.

Ultimately, benching a veteran can either go one of two ways; the motivation forces the player to bounce back or it does the exact opposite, and it appears Vrana is taking it in stride and will look to get back to his best when he officially returns to the ice.

As Read on Blade of Steel - Jakub Vrana Responds After Blues Make Him a Healthy Scratch for Two Games