During a recent interview with Denik Sport, Vrana revealed that he discussed his substance issues with Detroit's boss, Steve Yzerman.
In early 2022, at the start of the season, news spread across the league that he would enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
''I actually went (to see) Steve Yzerman,'' Vrana shared with Zimakpodcast.cz in his native Czechia. ''I completely walked up the stairs to his office. And I was completely at a loss as to how I was going to tell him.''
Six weeks into the program, the Red Wings placed him on waivers and later assigned him to their AHL club. He played there briefly before being traded to the St. Louis Blues.
He admitted that his issues were affecting his playing career.
''You (are) afraid to take this step,'' Vrana recalled. ''And then it might be too late. Of course there was a lot of fear on my part. What would happen if I came back? Alas, hockey is a business and maybe some people just look at it a bit (like that), even in the NHL,'' Vrana said. ''They just don't say it to your face and it was probably the same with me.''
Ultimately, he encouraged others in similar situations to speak out.
