Patrick Kane's arrival triggers a uniform number change for Daniel Sprong

With Patrick Kane officially signing in Detroit then appearing in the Winged Wheel for the first time at this morning's skate, the three-time Stanley Cup Champion assumed his familiar number 88 sweater.

Of course, as recently as yesterday, that number was offered by Daniel Sprong, who took over the number this summer upon signing with the Red Wings.  Sprong said he had initially chosen the number in homage to Alex Ovechkin's number 8.  

However, Sprong (who has also worn 41, 11, 10, and 91 throughout his NHL career) made clear at yesterday's practice that he didn't intend to get in the way of Kane donning 88.  Today, before Kane's contract is even officially registered, Sprong made good on that promise by switching to number 17.  

17 is a fitting number in Detroit for a goalscorer like Sprong, with Brett Hull having scored 92 goals in the jersey during his three-season, Cup-winning Red Wing career.

Further Reading

Also from THN Detroit

Andrew Copp on Tactical Identity, Dylan Larkin-less Line-Up, and New York Returns Adam Fox to a Roster Already Atop the East: Red Wings-Rangers Game Day Notebook & Where to Watch

Gauging DeBrincat's Fit, Prospect Progress vs. NHL Depth, What Kane Tells us About the Trade Deadline, Husso as Number One: Re-Evaluating Preseason Red Wings Existential Questions

Red Wings Injury Update: Dylan Larkin Out vs. Rangers Wednesday, Justin Holl Questionable, Jake Walman Likely

Patrick Kane Chooses the Red Wings; Three-Time Cup Winner, 2013 Conn Smythe Signs One-Year Deal in Detroit

Within 10 Days, Detroit's Frustrating Loss to the Maple Leafs in Sweden Looks Like a Positive Inflection Point

Lyon, Larkin Carry the Day as Detroit Struggles at Five-on-Five: Red Wings-Wild Statistical Review

Griffins Split Home Series with Moose as Jonatan Berggren Posts Four-Point Weekend

Red Wings 4, Wild 1: Larkin, Lyon Lead Detroit to Third Straight Win Following Swedish Skid

Detroit Asserts 5-on-5 Control, Maatta-Holl Shines, and Ville Husso Excels: Red Wings-Bruins Statistical Review

Red Wings 5, Bruins 2: A Reinvigorated Power Play, Ville Husso, & Detroit Tame Boston Again

A Scared 3rd Against the Leafs, Dominating the Devils, Is Alex Lyon the Red Wings' best goalie, and gauging stress levels for U-M and championship potential for MSU: The Silky Mitten State Episode 5