Former Vancouver Canucks Winger Suddenly Ends NHL Career at Just 28-Years-Old to Sign in Russia
Photo credit: Bob Frid - USA TODAY Sports
A former Vancouver Canucks forward who was on the club's opening night roster last October has decided to leave North America for the 2025-26 season.
It's been quite a busy summer so far for former members of the Vancouver Canucks, including several who have decided to take their talents across the Atlantic to Europe for the next chapter of their respective careers.
Among the names that have signed overseas in Europe this summer are Collin Delia who signed in the Swedish Hockey League with Brynas IF and Spencer Martin, who landed a multi-year deal in Russia with CSKA Moscow.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that another former Vancouver Canucks was making the trip overseas for the 2025-26 season after 374 games in the National Hockey League.
Former Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sprong leaves North America
A little over a week ago, reports circulated about the possibility of former Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sprong potentially signing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), with CSKA Moscow and Avangard Omsk among the interested teams.
Note: the quotes in this story are translated from Russian
"As SE has learned, striker Daniel Sprong has attracted the attention of CSKA and Avangard.
Last season he played for three NHL clubs - Vancouver, Seattle and New Jersey, and also spent time in the AHL, playing for Coachella.
According to our information, the head coach of the Omsk team Guy Boucher is personally interested in the 28-year-old Sprong. Probably, the appearance of this player in Avangard will lead to the departure of Vladimir Tkachev." Sport-Express' Mikhail Zislis said.
Last season he played for three NHL clubs - Vancouver, Seattle and New Jersey, and also spent time in the AHL, playing for Coachella.
According to our information, the head coach of the Omsk team Guy Boucher is personally interested in the 28-year-old Sprong. Probably, the appearance of this player in Avangard will lead to the departure of Vladimir Tkachev." Sport-Express' Mikhail Zislis said.
Nine days later and Daniel Sprong has found his new home as CSKA Moscow announced that they've agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the former Vancouver Canuck for the 2025-26 season, with HockeyWorldwide on Instagram reporting that the deal could see him earn upwards of $225 million rubles ($2.869 million US) including bonuses.
"CSKA has signed a contract with forward Daniel Sprong. The agreement is for one year, until the end of the 2025/26 season." CSKA Moscow said.
Sprong, a native of Amsterdam, Netherlands, signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks last summer, but after just nine games, he was traded to the Seattle Kraken for future considerations.
In 30 NHL games last season between Vancouver, Seattle and New Jersey, Sprong put up seven points (two goals, five assists), two penalty minutes and was a minus-one.
Source: CSKA Moscow
Daniel Sprong signed a contract with CSKA
Daniel Sprong signed a contract with CSKA
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 23 | 1376 ANSWERS Former Vancouver Canucks Winger Suddenly Ends NHL Career at Just 28-Years-Old to Sign in Russia Do you think Daniel Sprong will return to North America following the 2025-26 season? | ||
| Yes | 240 | 17.4 % |
| No | 1136 | 82.6 % |
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