Detroit Red Wings utilizing Daniel Sprong in optimal ways early on

Oct 4, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Daniel Sprong (88) reacts after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Daniel Sprong (88) reacts after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Red Wings are 1-1 early on in the 2023-24 season. They have already started to see some of their new additions settle in and find their footing early on. One of those players who has been solid to begin the 2023-24 season has been Daniel Sprong.

While Alex DeBrincat is the talk of the town and the big name that the Detroit Red Wings added this off-season, Sprong has been a very much welcomed addition to the team. He was someone the Red Wings were hoping to bring in and utilize in a way that would help him produce offense.

On the flip side of that, Sprong’s defense has never been a real strong suit of his game, but early on in his Detroit tenure, they are working to mix him into spots where he’s likely to find success. He’s deployed in the offensive zone and in spots that will allow him to find success–so far, it’s worked.

It’s worth noting that it’s been a couple of games, but it’s worth noting between how things looked in the pre-season and what Sprong has been able to do in Detroit as the regular season has kicked off. He’s been a very welcome addition to Detroit.

Detroit Red Wings maximizing value with Daniel Sprong early on.

When the team signed Sprong to the one-year, $2 million contract, it was known that they were going to have a task at hand. During Sprong’s time in Seattle, the Kraken found ways to get him into situations that fostered his offensively-geared profile.

He’s coming off of the 2022-23 season, where he played in 66 games with 21 goals, 25 assists, and 46 points overall. He was able to really tap into the offense at times and find ways to be effective for the Kraken, making the most of his offense and creating some high-danger scoring chances.

Detroit has been able to replicate this and do a good job finding ways to get Sprong mixed in with their forward core. He’s scored two goals early on and proven that he can be a beneficial piece in the team’s forward core, which is something they need.

Scoring has been a problem in past years for Detroit, but the new additions have jumped right in and been impactful. It’s exactly what the Red Wings have needed, so it’s good to see these new faces doing good right off the bat.

Detroit has a long season ahead, and getting off on the right foot only makes for a smoother ride the rest of the way.