We are one step closer to a return for Jakub Vrana.
The Detroit Red Wings sent the 26-year-old forward to AHL affiliate Grand Rapids on Wednesday for conditioning, presumably to make his return to competitive hockey for the first time since he entered and exited the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Vrana played in the Wings' first two games of the season before entering the program in October. He returned to the team on Dec. 16 and has been practicing with the team since.
"There are bigger things than hockey in life and you have to get it in order," Vrana said on Dec.