UFA forward Daniel Sprong is still available on the free agent market. Making the case of why the 28 year-old forward would be a good fit for the Golden Knights
The NHL is eight days into its free agent period and while the frenzy is certainly over there is one particular former 20 goal scorer left on the market in the form of Daniel Sprong.
Sprong, 27, had a solid season last year for the Detroit Redwings scoring 18 goals and 43 points, very fine production for a middle-six winger. Sprong is coming off consecutive one year contracts and was likely looking for a deal with some term but with most teams having their rosters rounded out or not much cap space, the veteran forward may have to settle on yet again another 1 year deal.
While Sprong had a good season last year for Detroit it was during the 22-23 season in which he had his career year to date. Sprong scored 21 goals and 46 points in only 66 games for the Seattle Kraken, helping the Kraken make the post-season for the 1st time in their franchise history. Sprong provided great value for the Kraken that season with only making 750k. That season helped earn Sprong the $2M AAV contract he signed with the Redwings on July 1st of last year.
The knock on Sprong is his play away from the puck leaves coaches wanting more, which could certainly be a reason that whichever teams he lands with for the upcoming season will be his 6th team in the 8 years that he has been in the league. However, if Sprong is willing to take another 1 year deal for around $1M AAV the Golden Knights could be a good fit. The Golden Knights are projected to have $1.3M in cap space with goaltender Robin Lehner on LTIR, so while it wouldn't leave them with much breathing room they certainly could fit Sprong under the cap. For a team that lost 58 goals from their lineup with the departures of Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson, the Knights could use Sprong's ability to score 20 goals in their forward group.
In 344 games played at the NHL level between the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Washington Capitals, Seattle Kraken and the Detroit Redwings, Sprong has compiled 85 goals 74 assists for 159 points.