The Washington Capitals announced on Friday afternoon the signing of forward prospect Daniel Sprong to a two-year, one-way contract for $725,000 AAV.
FROM CAPITALS MEDIA RELEASE
The Washington Capitals have signed forward Daniel Sprong to a two-year contract, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today. Sprong’s one-way contract for both seasons will carry an average annual salary of $725,000.
The Capitals acquired Sprong, 23, from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Christian Djoos on Feb. 25. Sprong was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round, 46th overall, in the 2015 NHL Draft.
The 5’11”, 191-pound forward recorded 33 points (12g, 21a) in 44 games between the San Diego Gulls and Hershey Bears in the AHL in 2019-20. The Amsterdam, Netherlands, native also recorded two points (1g, 1a) in eight games with Anaheim.
In his Hershey debut on Feb. 29 vs. the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Sprong recorded three points (1g, 2a), including the game-winning goal. Sprong registered a point in four of his five games with Hershey.
In 97 career NHL games between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim, Sprong has 30 points (19g, 11a). Additionally, in 109 AHL games between the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, San Diego and Hershey, Sprong has 98 points (44g, 54a).
Earlier this week it was announced that Sprong was pre-selected for the Dutch National team. The selection will include participation in team training camps and exhibition games leading up to the next world championships. However, it is uncertain whether he will be available for “the Orange”, depending on the restarts of the AHL and Capitals training camp.
Sprong’s offensive skills make him an intriguing add to a depleted forward prospect pool. The 23-year-old has shown he can score in bunches at the AHL level, but has hindered his NHL time with his underwhelming play on the defensive end. He also has had a reputation from his previous two stops (Pittsburgh, Anaheim) as being difficult to coach. Hopefully Washington and Hershey will help correct his shortcomings.
Sprong and forward prospect Brian Pinho worked extremely well together in scrimmages held during the Capitals summer training camp. They would connect for two early goals (the first was called back for offsides)
Daniel Sprong to Brian Pinho for game’s first score. Team Red leads Team White 1-0 late in first period. #ALLCAPS #Capitals pic.twitter.com/F53c3DoNow
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) July 24, 2020
The second goal would count.
This version of Daniel Sprong to Brian Pinho counts. Team Red leads 1-0. Hershey is gonna put up goals next season. #ALLCAPS #Capitals pic.twitter.com/eSq4rFmbmi
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) July 24, 2020
Here is the scouting report from Anaheim Ducks fans.
I asked Anaheim Ducks fans for their honest assessment of #CapsProspect Daniel Sprong (acquired in the trade for Christian Djoos) in exchange for my assessment of Djoos. Here’s what they had to say: #Capitals pic.twitter.com/RctI0m8BD0
— Jon Sorensen (@jon_m_sorensen) June 27, 2020
By Jon Sorensen
I think too much time is spent on the 4th line and maybe money as well… lets bring up farm hands for the 4th line and move out anyone making over 2M$ on the 4th line and move that money to the D… Keep Dan S but he is at best a 3rd liner…
I think you are going to see plenty of farm hands taking bottom six positions away from NHL’ers, particularly if they are cheaper, due to flat cap for foreseeable future.
Sounds like Sprong’s inability/desire to play defense is his downfall. We already have too many one-way players. That’s where Pinho has the edge (Excellent in his own end, and on the P.K.)