Daniel Sprong
Position: Right Wing
Current Team: Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL
Date of Birth: March 17, 1997
Place of Birth: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 192 lbs
Shoots: Right
Sprong has a unique background: he was born in the Netherlands and moved to Canada when he was young, playing minor hockey in Canada, Jr. A in the US for a year before returning to Canada for his final year of Jr. A before getting drafted into the QMJHL.
I’ve seen him be the best player on the ice, showing hands that rivaled those of Winnipeg first-rounder Nikolaj Ehlers. He’s been working on his defensive game, but he’s a pure offensive weapon. He’s an excellent skater with loads of creativity. He should be a late first round pick, but his defensive warts may see him slip to early in the second round.
Scouting Reports
A prolific scoring winger who possesses an elite-level skillset: has dynamic skating ability, is a creative passer, and has incredible puckhandling ability. While he is offensively dominant, he is also defensively responsible. A very hard working player who strives to improve all aspects of his game. Absolutely electric. – Elite Prospects
A native of the Netherlands, Sprong’s family moved to Montreal when he was seven so he would have a better opportunity at a hockey career. He flourished at every level in minor hockey, and was rewarded in 2013 when he was taken in the first round (13th overall) in the Quebec League draft by the Islanders.
Sprong burst onto the scene in his rookie season, leading all underage scorers with 68 points in 67 games. He’s followed that up with a solid second year, posting 20 goals and 20 assists through 36 games after an early-season lull. – NHL.com
A Good Fit in Columbus?
I can’t help but think of Oliver Bjorkstrand when I see him play, and I’d be excited if the Jackets were to use one of their three second rounders, providing he slips that far. His talents would give the CBJ yet another high-end weapon to develop. Given their depth in the forward prospect pipeline, the Jackets can afford to be patient in developing the defensive side of his game.
Sprong in Action