The Pittsburgh Penguins have made their first selection in the 2015 NHL Draft, taking right-winger Daniel Sprong with the 46th overall selection in the second round.
Sprong, 18, was born in Amersterdam and his father, Hannie, played professional hockey in The Netherlands. Sprong would be only the second Dutch player to play in the NHL, if he makes it.
“Its more of a soccer country, no one really knows their hockey there,” Sprong said of his homeland in a draft video produced by the NHL. “Growing up there, everyone loved soccer.
Sprong came to North America at a young age and played his bantam hockey with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights. The Penguins top minor league affiliate also play in Wilkes-Barre.
He was drafted in the first round of the 2013 QMJHL draft by the Charlottetown (PEI) Islanders. He has played two seasons with the Islanders. In 2013-14, he scored 30 goals and recorded 38 assists in 67 games, leading Charlottetown in scoring.
In 2014-15, he improved significantly on those numbers, tallying 88 points (39 goals and 49 assists) to again pace the Islanders. He also added seven goals and four assists in 10 playoff games.
Sprong was rated between 20th and 40th by various scouting services, so the fact that he was available with the 46th selection was a positive for the Penguins.
While he has the skill and numbers to project to be a top-six winger, his two-way ability is a question mark. He was a minus-43 over his two seasons in Charlottetown.
As an 18-year old, Sprong will likely return to the QMJHL for his 19-year old season.
The Penguins have three more selections today, but do not choose again until the fifth round, when they have the 137th overall pick.
Photo credit: Charlottetown Islanders
