Seattle Kraken: (Daniel) Sprong has sprung in the Emerald City
Coach Hak on Sprong
Here is what Coach Hakstol had to say about Sprong prior to Wednesday’s game:
“This is a new opportunity for him. This is a chance to prove he can be a 200 foot player. He has a weapon in his shot and is able to score in this league. It is not about what he is bringing to this team and his past track record. For me, it is about him showing what he can do here.”
Hakstol knows his new forward has a real chance to make an impact on this team – and his career. Sprong is a pending restricted free agent, meaning he could be due for a raise or a new contract.
If the Seattle Kraken extends him a qualifying offer to Sprong, his salary will increase from $725,000 to $761,250 for next year. Given how he’s performing right now, the Kraken would be foolish not to offer him a contract.
In addition to his shooting skills, Sprong has other talents. He plays a 200-foot game, can back check, throw hits, and finds passing lanes.
It is also important to note that Hakstol is clearly giving Sprong an opportunity to showcase his talent. In his first games, he averaged 14:15 minutes of ice time. As a comparison, his highest average ice time between Pittsburgh, Anaheim, and Washington was 13:15 with Anaheim. An extra minute of ice time a night can impact the stat sheet.
Another good sign is when Kraken pulled their goalie down 2-0 against Vegas last Wednesday. The player that hopped over the boards as Driedger skated to the bench was none other than Sprong. This indicates that Hakstol sees Sprong as an offensive threat who can make a difference and spark a comeback.
Conclusion
It has been a long journey for Daniel Sprong. He has seen many cities, from the cold winters in Atlantic Canada to the sunny summers of Anaheim. The forward also played in the shadows of all-time greats like Crosby and Ovechkin, preventing him from showing what he could do in the NHL.
The 25-year-old now has a real opportunity to shine with the Seattle Kraken. Sprong has finally Sprung this spring. Kraken fans should be excited to see what he can bring to the table and help build the core. Watch for his name to appear on the stats sheet several more times throughout the remaining 13 games.
Do you think the Seattle Kraken found a keeper in Daniel Sprong? Let us know in the comments section below.