Former New Jersey Devils right winger Daniel Sprong has officially signed with the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) after a decade in the NHL. He will continue his career abroad with CSKA Moscow.

Sprong was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round of the 2015 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut that same season, playing 18 games with the Penguins in 2015-16 before being assigned to the AHL.

From 2018-19 through 2024-25, Sprong played for six different NHL teams. He spent two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks (2018-20), followed by a year with the Washington Capitals (2020-22). He then joined the Seattle Kraken from 2021 to 2023.

The final stretch of his NHL career saw him with the Detroit Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks, Seattle Kraken, and finally the New Jersey Devils. During the 2024-25 season, Sprong was traded three times, splitting the year between the Canucks, Kraken, and Devils.

He joined the Devils on March 7, 2025, appearing in 11 games for the team.

Sprong recorded two assists with New Jersey, while on a one-year, $975,000 contract.

Reflecting on his time with the Devils, Sprong told Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News:

"I loved it here. A great group of guys (and) great fans. I would say everything before New Jersey (this season) was pretty difficult. Mentally, I had a lot of ups and downs, mostly downs, but when I got to New Jersey, I think I fit in well."

After the 2024-25 season, Sprong became an unrestricted free agent when the Devils chose not to re-sign him, and no other NHL teams picked him up.

Speaking about his time in New Jersey, Sprong praised Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe, saying in his exit interview:

"He is my favorite coach I have played for in the NHL so far. He is honest. He says it how it is. That works really well for me."

Over his NHL career, Sprong played 374 games and tallied 166 points. 

Now 28 years old, Sprong has opted to continue his career in the KHL, though a future NHL return remains possible.

Photo Credit: © Eric Hartline-Imagn Images