Ducks recall Daniel Sprong from San Diego

It’s happening, Ducks fans.

The Anaheim Ducks have recalled winger Daniel Sprong from the San Diego Gulls, according to AHL Transactions. The 22-year-old has spent the entire season with the Gulls, leading the team in points with 18 (7G, 11A) in 24 games.

Sprong has been a source of intense discussion amongst many Ducks fans this year. After scoring 14 goals in 47 games last season as one of Anaheim’s few players that could pot goals with regularity, Sprong was waived before this NHL season began, losing a spot on the roster in camp to players like Troy Terry and Carter Rowney.

Despite his scoring ability, Sprong was in San Diego because General Manager Bob Murray and Head Coach Dallas Eakins wanted him to work on his defensive deficiencies, which have been well-documented for the entirety of his career. A recent interview with The Athletic’s Eric Stephens took a look inside his mindset and his attempt to develop a part of his game that has frustrated many of his bosses since breaking into the league with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015-16.

Sprong was acquired last year in a trade for defenseman Marcus Pettersson, who has carved out a regular spot on Pittsburgh’s third pairing.

While the Ducks have yet to confirm the reason for the recall, it is possible that he could be a replacement for Rickard Rakell who missed stretches of Saturday’s game against the New York Islanders after an apparent injury.

Sprong can play up to 10 games with the Ducks (or be on the NHL roster for up to 30 days, whichever comes first), before needing to be put back on waivers to be sent down to San Diego again.

We will update this article with a corresponding roster move when information becomes available.