New Devils Forward Daniel Sprong Could Be Surprise
Daniel Sprong (© Steven Bisig-Imagn Images)The New Jersey Devils did not have the big trade deadline that many expected. Instead of making a significant deadline move like several other contenders, the Devils focused on improving their depth with smaller trades.
One move the Devils made was acquiring forward Daniel Sprong from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. The 27-year-old forward had been playing with the Coachella Valley Firebirds before the trade, where he had 11 goals and 25 points in 19 games. At the NHL level this season, he has two goals and five points in 19 games split between the Vancouver Canucks and Kraken.
While the Sprong trade is a small one, the 2015 second-round pick has the potential to be a solid addition to the Devils' roster.
Although Sprong has struggled at the NHL level this season, he has shown in recent years that he can provide solid secondary scoring in a bottom-six role. For example, during this past season with the Detroit Red Wings, he had 18 goals and 43 points in 76 games. This was after he scored 21 goals and posted 46 points in 66 contests with the Kraken in 2022-23. If he regains his scoring touch, he could be a sneaky good pickup for a Devils club that needs offense.
Ultimately, there is very little risk in the Devils bringing in Sprong, too. They only parted ways with a seventh-round pick to get him, so if he ends up not being a fit in New Jersey, it would not be a big deal. However, when looking at his offensive numbers over his two previous seasons, fans shouldn't rule out the prospect of him bouncing back.
Recent Devils News