Former Red Wings Forward Placed On Waivers

Former Detroit Red Wings player Daniel Sprong, a Seattle Kraken healthy scratch since Dec. 28, was placed on waivers today. We will find out Thursday, early afternoon, if he was claimed.

Sprong, 27, signed a one-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks for $975,000 on July 20. He left the Red Wings after putting up 18 goals and 43 points last season. His contract was a decrease from the $2 million, one-year  deal he had in Detroit.

After Sprong produced one goal and three points in his first nine games with Vancouver, the Canucks traded him to Seattle, where he had scored 21 goals in 2023-24. The return was for future considerations.

With the #Isles only having 12 healthy forwards right now, don’t be shocked if Lou puts in a claim for Daniel Sprong.

Sprong has struggled with Vancouver and Seattle this year but he’s a middle-six forward who is capable of scoring. Had back-to-back 40+ seasons with Detroit and…

— Anthony LaRocco (@ALaRocco0801) January 8, 2025

Sprong wasn’t as productive in his second tour, posting just one goal in 10 games.

Overrun by injuries, the New York Islanders seem like a possible suitor for Sprong, a Netherlands native who has 164 points in 363 NHL games.

Besides Vancouver and Seattle, Sprong has played for Detroit, Washington, Anaheim and Pittsburgh. Even with his offensive ability, Sprong is considered a bottom-six forward because he is a defensive liability.

His chief strength is a quick release shot, and scoring instincts. The Red Wings lost 75 goals this summer through trades or free agent loss, and Sprong was responsible for 24 percent of those goals.

Sprong could have played against his former Red Wings buddies this Sunday in a matinee game. But now it looks like he will playing for another NHL team or in the American Hockey League.