Where Daniel Sprong Fits in the Kraken Lineup: Options and Impact

The Seattle Kraken's recent acquisition of Daniel Sprong from the Vancouver Canucks is a move that comes with plenty of promise and little risk. With only future considerations traded, Seattle has brought back a familiar face who has already proven he can produce offensively for this team. During his last season with the Kraken, Sprong put up 46 points, and he added another solid 43 points with Detroit. Those are solid numbers for a player likely to play in the Kraken’s bottom six. However, adding him to the roster raises a big question: Where does he fit in, and what changes could be on the horizon?

Depth Scoring Impact: Sprong’s Production in a Limited Role

Sprong brings something rare to the bottom six: consistent scoring and a shoot-first mentality. His 46-point season with Seattle demonstrated his efficiency even with limited ice time, making him an ideal candidate to add offensive punch to Seattle’s depth lines. This boost in scoring could help relieve pressure from the top six, where the Kraken have relied heavily on players like Jared McCann and Jordan Eberle. With Sprong’s offensive skills, Seattle could have a fourth-line threat that opposing teams can’t overlook.

Cap Considerations and Possible Moves

The Kraken’s cap situation means Sprong’s arrival could lead to some changes. With Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde both on expiring contracts worth $3.5 million and $5.2 million respectively, Seattle has a high investment in its fourth line. This cost is significant for depth players compared to McCann, one of Seattle’s leading scorers, who earns $5 million. As much as fans love the energy Tanev brings, the financial reality may push Seattle toward moving him out in favor of a more cost-effective lineup featuring Sprong, who could fit in on the fourth line alongside Kartye and Gourde. This potential move would keep the team’s cap situation more flexible while retaining depth scoring.

Fourth Line
Tye Kartye – Yanni Gourde – Daniel Sprong

A Potential Line Change

If Seattle prefers to keep the fourth line intact, Sprong could slot into the third line, where his scoring touch could have a strong impact. The Kraken could pair him with André Burakovsky and Jaden Schwartz, both of whom have a mix of playmaking and shooting skills, could maximize Sprong’s ability to get high-quality chances. A possible reconfiguration could look like this:

Second Line
Eeli Tolvanen – Chandler Stephenson – Oliver Bjorkstrand

Third Line
André Burakovsky – Jaden Schwartz – Daniel Sprong

In this setup, Stephenson’s playmaking would support Tolvanen and Bjorkstrand’s offensive strengths, while Sprong would provide the third line with a finishing touch alongside Schwartz and Burakovsky, two experienced forwards who can support his goal-scoring potential.

To slot him into the third line the Kraken would have to send Shane Wright to Coachella Valley, and give him more time to develop in the AHL. Wright started the season with ample ice time, but recent games have seen his minutes reduced. Sending him down would allow Seattle to keep its current fourth line intact and place Sprong in the middle six, where his skills would be maximized without Wright’s development taking a backseat.

Flexibility with Sprong as a Depth Option

If neither of these configurations prove to be the right fit, Seattle could also use Sprong as a flexible depth option, rotating him through different lines as needed. His scoring ability and experience with Seattle make him a reliable “next-man-up” should the team face injuries or need to shake up the offense during a rough patch.

Final Thoughts: A Low-Cost Move with Potential for Big Returns

Bringing Sprong back to Seattle at the cost of future considerations is a no-brainer for a Kraken team looking to boost its depth scoring. His history with the Kraken and his scoring track record mean he could contribute from day one. Whether he slots into the fourth line to replace Tanev, adds a boost to the third line, or serves as a rotational scorer, Sprong’s presence provides the Kraken with valuable options. In a season where depth scoring could make all the difference, the addition of Sprong just might be the piece that helps Seattle reach new heights.