Pittsburgh Penguins: Welcoming Back Daniel Sprong

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Daniel Sprong
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Daniel Sprong

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be facing the Carolina Hurricanes tonight, and we will see a new face in the lineup.

Yes, the Pittsburgh Penguins have finally called up Daniel Sprong, giving him his second NHL opportunity that he’s been waiting for.

The Penguins have been in a slump and our offence has surely needed a quick resurgence. Hopefully Daniel Sprong can bring that to this team. He is a very special player who has been lighting it up in the AHL this season, so let’s hope he can offer us a much-needed boost.

But let’s welcome Sprong back properly to the Penguins and let’s take a look at what he’s all about.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins /

Pittsburgh Penguins

A First Stint With the Pens

Sprong was drafted 46th overall by the Penguins in the 2015 Entry Draft. He impressed team management during training camp and they ultimately decided to keep him on the team for opening night. This is a big accomplishment for a player taken in the second round of their draft year.

Sprong played in 18 games with the Penguins in 2015-16 and scored two goals before being sent down to the QMJHL and ultimately to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Sprong has been dying to get his second opportunity with the club ever since and it’s finally time.

An Amazing AHL Season

Sprong has been playing excellently this season in the AHL, impressing many with his fine skills and hockey IQ. With the way he’s been playing, it was just a matter of time before he’d get called up anyways.

With 28 points in 29 games, Sprong has been among the AHL’s highest scoring players throughout the season. He’s been helping the Penguins win and he’s been leading them this entire time.

In fact, just on Tuesday the AHL announced that Sprong had won the AHL Rookie of the Month award for December. In December he tallied nine goals and five assists for 14 points in 12 games.

He has been on fire this season in the AHL and we’re hungry to see what he can do in the NHL now. Get ready folks because Sprong will be looking to stay in Pittsburgh.