Seattle Kraken Make a Low-Risk, High-Reward Move

In a smart, low-risk move aimed at revitalizing their offense, the Seattle Kraken have brought back right-winger Daniel Sprong, sending only future considerations to the Vancouver Canucks in return. With Sprong on a one-year deal, this is a high-upside deal that could pay dividends for Seattle as they look to break out of their early-season scoring slump.

Sprong first joined the Kraken in 2022 and during the 2022-2023 season he delivered a career-high 46 points and showing he could be a reliable playmaker. He moved to the Detroit Red Wings for the 2023-24 season, then signed a one-year deal with Vancouver before Seattle swooped in to bring him back into the fold. With familiarity on his side and offensive strengths that Seattle’s roster currently lacks, Sprong could be the jolt the Kraken’s attack has been searching for.

The Kraken’s offensive woes this season aren’t a secret. After a strong showing in the AHL, the team promoted Dan Bylsma to lead the NHL roster, signaling an intent to lean into their developmental pipeline. But so far, Seattle’s attempts to find solutions from within haven’t sparked the results they hoped for. Players called up to compete for forward spots, like Ryan Winterton and John Hayden, haven’t been able to provide the offensive lift the Kraken need.

This is where Sprong’s skill set can make a difference. He’s a proven NHL playmaker who can create his own scoring chances and finish at the net, two things the Kraken could desperately use. Though his production has sometimes fallen short of his potential, he has still shown flashes of brilliance that make him a valuable addition to Seattle’s forward lines. Slotting him into a bottom-six role gives the Kraken flexibility and allows them to experiment with offensive combinations without compromising their future.

One of the best parts of this trade is the virtually nonexistent risk. Sprong is signed to a one-year, sub-million-dollar deal, so if his impact isn’t as hoped, the Kraken won’t be tied down by his contract. On the other hand, if he clicks immediately and provides some scoring consistency, Seattle will have gained a valuable asset without giving up any significant assets.

While adding Sprong could create a logjam in Seattle’s forward lineup, the timing couldn’t be better. The Kraken offense has struggled to find consistency, and with their scoring troubles mounting, a shake-up could be exactly what the team needs. However, there’s a catch—this addition will put the Kraken over the salary cap once injured defenseman Vince Dunn returns to the lineup, which is expected soon. This means the Kraken will likely have to trade away another player to make room under the cap. It’s a necessary complication, though, as Sprong’s familiarity with the team and his recent success in Seattle make this move especially positive for fans who remember his standout season with the Kraken.

Overall, this trade is a win-win for Seattle. With no long-term obligations and clear short-term potential, the Kraken have little to lose and much to gain from reuniting with Sprong. If he can replicate his prior success and bring the offensive boost Seattle has been searching for, this could go down as one of the season’s savvier moves by the Kraken front office.