BREAKING: Canucks Sign Daniel Sprong To One-Year Contact
Daniel Sprong had 18 goals and 43 points in 76 games for the Detroit Red Wings in 2023-24.
The Vancouver Canucks have added another forward to the mix, signing Daniel Sprong to a one-year deal worth $975,000. Sprong spent last season with the Detroit Red Wings, scoring 18 goals and recording 43 points. The Dutch-born right winger has 344 games of NHL experience, scoring 85 goals and recording 159 points so far in his career.
In a statement, GM Patrik Allvin wrote, "Bringing in another solid winger will be a boost for our club this season. Daniel has matured a lot as a player and has shown he can contribute offensively when called upon. His addition up front will give us better depth and should help with more balanced scoring throughout our forward group."
According to NHL EDGE, Sprong is a player who likes to shoot from mid-range areas. His 65 mid-range shots ranked in the 88th percentile compared to just 28 high-danger. Sprong's shot has always been one of his best assets, as he can beat goaltenders from a distance at both even strength on the power play.
On top of playing a bottom-six role for the Canucks, Sprong can also help out on the power play. Over the past two seasons, Sprong has 26 power play points while averaging 12.7 power play shots per 60. Compared to players on Vancouver's roster Sprong would rank fourth behind Brock Boeser, J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson of players still on the roster who have played over 100 power play minutes during the last two seasons.
Sprong also has a connection with Canucks management, as he was drafted by Jim Rutherford in 2015. During that time, Allvin was the team's Director of European Scouting but would have been familiar with Sprong's game despite him playing in the QMJHL. He has also played under Rick Tocchet, who was an assistant coach during his first two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Signing Sprong is another in a long line of low-risk, high-reward signings by Vancouver this offseason. He has a high production rate despite only averaging 12:00 minutes last season and would be one of four right-shot forwards projected to be on the NHL roster next season. While he may not be an everyday player, his skill set should help the Canucks during the 2024-25 season.
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