Daniel Sprong has had a wild ride throughout his young NHL career. After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2nd round of the 2015 NHL entry draft, he has bounced between the NHL and AHL- playing for six different professional organizations. After the Seattle Kraken acquired Sprong from the Washington Capitals at the 2022 trade deadline, it seemed like Sprong finally found his home in the PNW. He scored six goals in the last 16 games of that season, which prompted the Kraken to sign him to a one-year contract to stay in Seattle. That helped him find his next stride – to the tune of a 21-goal season in ’22-’23.
That success priced him out of Seattle’s then-financial situation, earning him a $2 million pay day in Detroit, where he scored 18 goals in ’23-24. However, Detroit opted to not re-sign him and he found his way back to the west coast via Vancouver. He scored only one goal in nine games to start this season, and spent more time in the press box as a healthy scratch than he did in the lineup. As a result, he ended up being traded back to Seattle for “future considerations.” Considering the Canucks gave him up for literally nothing likely turned heads around the league, including many excited Seattle fans who wanted him back.
However, Sprong continued to find his way back to the press box, and eventually to waivers on January 8th, where he was available to all 31 other NHL organizations for pickup. To his own surprise, nobody called. This meant that he was on the next flight to Palm Springs, where he would join the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL. Through six games with Coachella, he has scored four goals to go along with two assists. This stat as a point-per-game player seems like it would be good enough for an NHL roster. Alas, why is he struggling so much?
Defensive Liability
While Sprong has found success in the offensive column, he has faced much criticism for a lack of back-checking. Numerous coaches have openly commented on how they would like to see him do more on defense and play a 200-foot game. This is the number one reason why he struggles to stay in the NHL – as the league shifts to a more defensive style of play. And if you cannot adjust with the game, you will be left behind. He has the speed and the skills, but it’s also important to apply those skills on both ends of the ice. And this is not the only thing that has affected his chances of stepping back into an NHL locker room again.
Attitude and Entitlement
After Daniel Sprong’s first game in Coachella Valley where he scored twice, he was asked if he was pleased with his performance. And his response raised quite a few eyebrows.
To be honest? No. I expected it. I am an NHL player. I want to prove that I do not belong here. I scored 21 goals and 46 points in the NHL. I felt like I was a few steps ahead of the other guys on the ice, so I guess I have to adjust and slow down my game a bit to get on their speed. I am going to teach the guys what I can while I am here, but I hope I am not here long.
This is not only disturbing, but disappointing as well. As a professional athlete, it is acceptable to be confident in one’s abilities – but you also have to be humble and modest at times for balance. If you clear waivers, it means 31 other teams had the opportunity to take a chance on you, and said “no thanks.” For most humans, that would likely spark some self-reflection. But instead, Sprong has opted to carry a chip on his shoulder against the entire league and bring that into a minor-pro locker room. I cannot imagine his teammates are in any way thrilled about his comments. If there is a team that was on the fence about acquiring his services, they likely shifted to other options after seeing that attitude on display.
It is important to remember – playing in the National Hockey League is a privilege, not a right. There are no guarantees, and the opportunity can be taken away at any moment. For all the kids out there that are watching – the lesson learned here is to stay humble, and always strive to be better. Don’t develop an ego, or you might reach your peak or limits much sooner than you would like.
My prediction for Daniel Sprong: he finishes the season with the Firebirds and then signs a contract with a team in Russia with the KHL during the off-season. If Sprong is able to get his head and attitude in check, then it is possible he will get a final shot in the NHL. If not, then he will never step foot in the world’s top league locker rooms again.
