Kraken reacquires Daniel Sprong in trade with Canucks

The Seattle Kraken welcomed back a familiar face, signing forward Daniel Sprong from the Vancouver Canucks for future considerations on Friday.

Sprong, a veteran Dutch winger, had one goal and three points in nine games for the Canucks, his sixth team since becoming a full-time NHL player in 2018-19. Sprong also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals and spent last season with the Detroit Red Wings.

Sprong, who scored 18 goals and 43 points with the Red Wings, spent parts of two seasons with the Kraken. His most productive season was also his first full season with the franchise in the 2022-23 season, when he scored a career-high 21 goals and 46 points in 66 games. Reaching the 20-goal mark for the first time helped ensure the Kraken had 13 players score in double figures heading into the playoffs in their second season.

The Kraken would miss the 2023-24 playoffs, leading to the club eventually parting ways with its first coach, Dave Hakstol, and hiring former Penguins and Buffalo Sabers coach Dan Bylsma.

Sprong's return could provide a second offense for a team that struggled to score early in the season. Half of the team's 40 goals in 14 games were scored by four players: Jared McCann, Jordan Eberle, Brandon Montour and Eeli Tolvanen. Entering Friday, the Kraken (5-8-1) were ranked 21st with 2.79 goals per game while also sitting five points behind the Western Conference's final wild-card spot.