The Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Kraken are enemies in the Pacific Division, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get together for business from time to time. This was the case on this occasion when the two teams announced a trade.

The Kraken acquired the winger Daniel Sprong Canucks for future considerations. This is Sprong’s second time as a member of the Kraken.

Previously, Sprong spent two seasons in Seattle between 2021 and 2023. During his first stint with the club, he set career highs in all offensive categories. During the 2022-23 campaign, he scored 21 goals and added 25 assists for 46 points while averaging just over 11 minutes of ice time per game.

After leaving the Kraken for the Detroit Red Wings in the summer of 2023, he only stayed with his new team for one season. In 76 games with the Wings, he scored 18 goals and finished with 43 points.

That performance didn’t prepare Sprong for many suitors in free agency last summer, despite another nearly 20-goal season. At the end of the summer, he signed with the Canucks and, at the time, the move seemed like a good deal for Vancouver.

However, he was not a good fit for the organization. He averaged about 11:30 of ice time in nine games with the team, scored just one goal and added just two assists.

Sprong now has the chance to return to an organization where he thrived. The Kraken are trying to gain ground in the Pacific Division and return to the playoffs after missing out last year. Maybe with the addition of a former 20-goal scorer, it could help get this team back into the playoffs.

For the Canucks, this is another opportunity to give other players a spot on their NHL roster. The team becomes one strength in the Western Conferenceand the loss of Sprong will change nothing.

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