Daniel Sprong signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks after spending last season with the Detroit Red Wings.

The Vancouver Canucks added more offensive talent to their bottom-six, signing winger Daniel Sprong to a one-year contract. Sprong had 18 goals and 43 points in 76 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season and has proven over his career to be an offensive threat at both even strength and on the power play. A low-risk, high-reward move by the Canucks, Sprong should provide Vancouver with more depth scoring while also helping to rejuvenate the second power play unit. 

While there is a chance that Sprong sees time higher up in the lineup, he is projected to play mainly on the fourth line. Averaging 10:01 per game at five-on-five last season, Sprong is at his best when playing a depth role and has shown he can generate chances despite limited ice time. There are also some questions surrounding his overall defensive play, which could cause issues if he is constantly matched up against the opposition's top players. 

When in the lineup, Sprong is projected to play a role on the second power play unit. Having two viable power plays has been an issue with the Canucks for a while and has led to the first unit playing upwards of 1:30 per opportunity, even if they are struggling to generate chances. With players like Filip Hronek, Conor Garland, Dakota Joshua, and now Sprong being options on the second unit, the hope is Vancouver's coaching staff will feel more comfortable playing both units on a consistent basis.

One of Sprong's underrated talents is his ability to create rebounds. Last season, he finished with a career-high 16 rebounds created at even-strength while his 1.24 per 60 ranked third on the Red Wings among players who played at least 70 games. As for his comparison to the Canucks roster, using the same criteria, he would have ranked third behind Garland and Quinn Hughes. Ultimately, Sprong has shown an ability to not just generate chances for himself through his shot but also for his teammates, as opposing goaltenders have demonstrated a tendency to cough up rebounds after he shoots the puck. 

Based on this signing, it is clear that Vancouver wasn't happy with their winger depth last season. Often, the Canucks fourth line couldn't generate any offence, while players were forced into roles they clearly were not comfortable with. Adding Sprong should fix that problem, especially if he can replicate his 18-goal campaign from a year ago. 

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