Former Red Wings forward Daniel Sprong gets bad news

This year's edition of the Detroit Red Wings is different than last year, as several players from the roster that came within a single point of making the postseason did not return.

Red Wings fans remain confused about the trade of popular defenseman Jake Walman to the San Jose Sharks, while power play quarterback Shayne Gostisbehere chose to return to the Carolina Hurricanes via free agency.

Another player Detroit didn't retain was forward Daniel Sprong, who chipped in with timely offensive production but also played minimal defense. He signed a 1-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks, but was traded back to the Seattle Kraken (with whom he played in 2022-23) after scoring a single goal in 9 games.

His fortunes haven't turned around with Seattle, where he scored a career-best 23 goals. And today, Kraken general manager Ron Francis informed Sprong that he was being placed on waivers.

He can now be claimed by any of the other 31 NHL clubs; he'll be assigned to the American Hockey League if he goes unclaimed.

After being re-acquired by the Kraken, Francis said he hoped it would be a jolt in the right direction for Sprong.

Last year with the Red Wings, Sprong had 43 points (18G, 25A) in 76 games.

He's scored a total of 87 goals in 363 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Washington Capitals, Kraken, Red Wings and Canucks.