Rick Tocchet comments on Daniel Sprong's effort: Bigger opportunity coming

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Jon McIntyre
September 26, 2024 (8:45 PM)

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Canucks fans got their first real look at free agent pickup Daniel Sprong in last night's preseason game in Abbotsford, and the Dutch forward wasted no time showing off his skillset to Canucks fans.

At just 27 years old, Sprong is set to play for his sixth NHL team, bringing plenty of experience from his 344 career NHL games. What makes his inability to find a long term NHL home even more surprising is the offensive production he's brought to each stop along the way.

Last season with the Red Wings, Sprong tallied 43 points in 76 games, following a 46-point season in 66 games with the Kraken in 2022-23. Yet, despite his impressive numbers, Sprong finds himself on another one-year deal-his third straight-this time with the Canucks for a very team friendly salary of $975k.

Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said this morning: «You saw that goal last night, he can do that. It's sometimes in between ... where he gets a little lost. (But) I'm excited to work with him; put it that way."

«He wants to learn. He came in in good shape - really good shape. He's been texting and asking for video; he wants to be a better player. And a complete player."

For Vancouver, it's a low-risk, high-reward signing. Sprong is clearly betting on himself, seeing the Canucks as the place where he can prove his value and finally secure a long-term deal in the NHL, whether it be with the Canucks or not. If his preseason performance is any indication, Sprong has loads of skill and Vancouver might just be the team where he proves all front offices within the NHL that he deserves a respectable contract.