Daniel Sprong is moving his career to Russia after signing a one-year contract with CSKA Moscow for the 2025-26 Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) season. The Dutch winger, aged 28, transitions from a recent <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL campaign in which he represented three teams, including Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks, and New Jersey Devils.
Last season, Sprong accumulated seven points with two goals and five assists over 30 NHL games while also excelling in the American Hockey League. Playing for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Seattle’s AHL affiliate, he scored an impressive 25 points with 11 goals and 14 assists in just 19 games, demonstrating his skill and scoring ability below the NHL level.
Sprong’s NHL Journey and Reflections on His Time with the Devils
Through his NHL tenure, Daniel Sprong experienced multiple team changes, ending last season with the New Jersey Devils after being traded from the Seattle Kraken at the trade deadline. He was acquired in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick and contributed two assists over 11 regular-season games with New Jersey. Sprong also saw limited playoff action, appearing in Game 1 of the Devils’ first-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes before being sidelined as the Devils exited the playoffs in five games.
Reflecting on his stint with the Devils, Sprong expressed genuine appreciation:
“I loved it here (in New Jersey),”
—Daniel Sprong, New Jersey Devils forward
He described the team environment as positive and welcoming, contrasting it with earlier challenges during the season:
“Great group of guys, great fans. I would say everything before New Jersey (this year) was pretty difficult. Mentally a lot of ups and downs, mostly downs.”
Regarding coaching, Sprong singled out Sheldon Keefe as a key influence, praising the coach’s straightforward approach:
“is my favorite coach I have played for in the NHL so far. He is honest. He says it how it is. That works really well for me.”
—Daniel Sprong, New Jersey Devils forward
Despite his efforts, Sprong faced challenges with consistency and securing ice time, which affected his production. He noted his typical productivity in a bottom-six role but acknowledged this year didn’t meet expectations:
“In the last four to five years, my numbers in the bottom six have shown I produce there. This year it didn’t happen. I would say since getting here, I played well both sides. I was on the ice for a good amount of goals but the puck never seemed to find me. I loved it here and I really hope I can come back.”
—Daniel Sprong, New Jersey Devils forward
Sprong waited for New Jersey’s decision on his future, and upon no offer, he explored other options as a free agent. His prospects suggested he might receive a professional tryout (PTO) but would have to compete for a roster spot during training camp, which ultimately did not materialize, signaling a likely conclusion to his NHL career.
Assessing Sprong’s NHL Performance and Career Achievements
Throughout his NHL journey, Daniel Sprong exhibited promising talent but struggled for consistent top-line minutes. Statistical analysis highlights his scoring efficiency despite limited ice time. According to hockey analytics, Sprong ranked 17th in 5-on-5 goal-scoring efficiency over his career, outpacing many players who enjoyed more prominent roles. However, he rarely moved beyond fourth-line minutes despite playing for eight different NHL teams across 374 games.
Daniel Sprong has signed in the KHL. Sprong scored 5v5 goals at the 17th-most efficient rate of any player in the NHL over the course of his career. He never got more than 4th line minutes and played for 8 teams across 374 games.
—JFresh, Hockey Analyst
Sprong’s most productive NHL seasons came three years ago when he set a personal best with 21 goals and 46 points over 66 games with the Seattle Kraken, followed by an 18-goal, 43-point campaign in 76 games with the Detroit Red Wings in 2023-24. These highlights underscore his potential when given opportunity.
Sprong’s Unique Experience Playing Alongside NHL Legends
One of the most remarkable facets of Sprong’s career is his rare experience playing alongside both Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Over nine NHL seasons, he shared ice with these icons, gaining memorable insights and moments.
In a conversation on the Empty Netters podcast, Sprong recounted a particularly humorous story involving Alex Ovechkin, revealing the chemistry between them and Ovechkin’s leadership style:
“We’re in morning skate. We go on a 2-on-1 together. You just go with any guy 2-on-1. I’m kind of being an idiot and I start laughing at him and I look at him the whole way but shoot it. I missed the net probably by 20 feet. It wasn’t even close. And he looks angry at me. So I’m like, ‘F***, Dan, why’d you do it?’ Give it to him… just pass it to him.”
—Daniel Sprong, discussing a moment with Alex Ovechkin
Sprong detailed how Ovechkin encouraged him before the game:
“Before the game I do my handshakes and always, I had one with Ovi and he would just be like, ‘Babe just shoot the puck. Don’t think.’ And I told him, ‘O, but you got mad at me this morning.’ He goes, ‘Yeah, yeah, shoot it.’ ‘But what if [you’re] open?’ ‘You got to give it to me. So I go ‘okay sounds good.’”
—Daniel Sprong, recalling Ovechkin’s advice
During the game, Sprong found himself in another 2-on-1 situation with Ovechkin, this time with a pivotal decision to make:
“So game happens and we’re midway through play. Like early in the second, I got moved up to his line and a turnover happens. 2-on-1 and I look over and I see it’s Ovi going with me. So I’m going down, I’m like ‘I got to pass this one.’ But the more I get going, the closer and closer (I get), I’m like the D is starting to shift over and I see the goalie, instead of playing me, plays… his feet switch and he’s starting to play the pass. So I’m like, ‘What am I doing here? What am I doing here?’ And then at one point, I made the decision, this is a freebie. Like I have half the net to shoot at. I’m going to hit the net, I’m scoring. So I decided to shoot it.”
—Daniel Sprong, describing a game-winning play
When the puck found the net, Sprong couldn’t help but laugh, a reaction that resonated with his teammates and Ovechkin himself:
“Thank god it went in. And then when I scored, I just started laughing. If you look at all the guys on the ice, they knew what was going on the whole day and started laughing. And I’m like, ‘I’m sorry.’ And he loved it. Honestly, like, he’s a guy that if you’re on his team and you score, it’s like if he scored. He’s so happy for you. He’s an unbelievable guy and captain. And he was great to me in Washington.”
—Daniel Sprong, highlighting Ovechkin’s leadership and character
Sprong’s Time with Washington Capitals and Transition to the NHL
Sprong’s path to playing alongside Ovechkin began when he was traded from the Anaheim Ducks to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Christian Djoos. His two seasons with Washington coincided with the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The 2020-21 season saw Sprong score 13 goals in 42 games, while the following year he added eight goals and contributed in 47 contests.
Despite these contributions, Sprong eventually fell out of favor with then-coach Peter Laviolette. This situation led to him being traded to the Seattle Kraken as part of a package deal involving veteran forward Marcus Johansson, signaling a new chapter in his career.
What Lies Ahead as Sprong Embarks on His First Season Abroad
The 2025-26 season marks Daniel Sprong’s first professional experience overseas. Signing with CSKA Moscow represents a significant change after nearly a decade in North American hockey. His move to the KHL offers an opportunity to restart and possibly revitalize his professional trajectory while competing at a high level abroad.
Sprong’s journey underscores the challenges and unpredictability of professional hockey careers, particularly for players seeking to maximize their impact despite limited opportunities. His memorable moments with legends like Ovechkin remain highlights amidst a career full of movement and perseverance. Fans and observers will be eager to see how Sprong adapts and performs in Russia’s premier league as he enters this new chapter.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Alex Ovechkin missing a tooth?
A. Alexander Ovechkin, who leads the Washington Capitals, often loses a few teeth but chooses not to get them repaired.