Everything must go! The Seattle Kraken Trade Deadline fire sale continued Monday morning, when the team announced that it had traded veteran forward Marcus Johansson to the Washington Capitals, one of Johansson’s former teams. In return, the Kraken received a 2022 fourth-round pick, a 2023 sixth-round pick, and forward Daniel Sprong.
Sprong is an intriguing piece. Though his stats have been underwhelming this season—he has eight goals and six assists in 47 games—he scored 13 goals last season and came in expecting to have a breakout year. It hasn’t happened, but he also has played in a checking role for much of the campaign.
Now that the Kraken have traded away four of their regular forwards—Johansson, Calle Jarnkrok, Colin Blackwell, and Mason Appleton—Sprong is certainly going to get every opportunity in the world to showcase his talents during these last 19 games.
“Daniel brings some speed and creativity to our roster and we’re looking forward to adding him to our team,” said general manager Ron Francis via a press release.
Sprong, 25, is the only player in the NHL from the Netherlands. In an introductory press conference via Zoom on Monday, he shared that his family moved from Amsterdam to Montreal when he was a young kid to help him pursue his hockey career.
He was not expecting to get traded by Washington, but he is excited for the opportunity to show what he can do for the rest of the season. He also said he remembered that Climate Pledge Arena got very loud when the Capitals visited the Kraken earlier this season.
Johansson leaves after scoring six goals and 17 assists in 51 games with the Kraken. “We appreciate Marcus’ character and professionalism during his time with the Kraken and wish him well in Washington,” said Francis.
Instant reaction
This is a great deal for the Kraken. Johansson was a pleasant surprise for Seattle this season and ended up playing a much larger role for the club than we anticipated. But he was on an expiring contract, and we didn’t expect him back next year, so getting three assets in this deal is a nice win for Francis.
Sprong is also on an expiring contract, but he will be a restricted free agent after this season. So, the team can essentially decide—after watching him play for 19 games—whether they want him back for next season.
The two draft picks bring Seattle to 34 total picks over the next three seasons, which is ludicrous. In 2022 alone the Kraken will select 12 times, assuming they don’t package some of their selections to bring in current players before then.
Really appreciative to get the insight of my favorite podcast, Sound of Hockey, on this and other trades. It’s been hard to watch the team essentially get gutted in the last 48 hours, but your commentary has given me some hope for the future. Hopefully these picks are put to good use!
Absolutely love you guys. Wish there was a Sound of Hockey hotline I could call and just ask a bunch of questions as things occur. I was wondering if Sprong was an UFA but since he is a RFA, as stated, what a deal! I think JoJo was great this year and will definitely be missed but given the current Kraken situation, I’m strong on Sprong (along with more picks on the pile). Props to Ron Francis! I hope Sprong realizes his potential in Seatown at the end of this season and we sign him for a few more years. Thanks for all the info and insight. Go Kraken!