We are now officially two weeks into NHL free agency. As expected, most of the top free agents from this year’s class have found their new homes by this time of the summer. While this is the case, a few intriguing players still have yet to be signed.
One of them is forward Daniel Sprong. After posting 18 goals and 43 points in 76 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season, many expected him to find a new home quickly. However, that has not been the case.
When looking at the Bruins’ current roster, there is an argument about bringing in another winger. The Bruins suffered an array of departures this offseason on the wing, including Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and Pat Maroon. James van Riemsdyk was also not brought back but remains a free agent. Thus, with Sprong still available, he is a player worth some consideration.
This is especially so when noting that the Bruins’ depth at right wing is not particularly the strongest. With DeBrusk gone, there is a clear battle to be had at the 2RW spot. Morgan Geekie, who can play both down the middle and on the wing, is one name in the race. Feel-good story Justin Brazeau could make a push for it, and there are also prospects Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov fighting for NHL jobs.
While the Bruins have some options, adding a middle-six winger like Sprong to the competition would not hurt. At this point of the summer, he likely can be had for a low price on a one-year, prove-it deal. Perhaps even the PTO route could be possible if Sprong remains unsigned as we get closer to training camp.
It seems inevitable that Sprong will find a new home, as he is coming off back-to-back seasons with at least 40 points. Let’s see if the Bruins end up making a push for him from here.