"After splitting the 2024-25 season between four separate NHL/AHL teams, Sprong had multiple suitors over in Russia but chose CSKA after some discussion with a few familiar faces from his past. "He decided to play for CSKA from the first day, as soon as we started discussing different options," Sprong's agent, Aljoša Pilko, told Sport-Express' Mikhail Zislis, per a translation by Google Translate."
"While all of those players have prior KHL experience, none of them have ever played for CSKA or Ak Bars. However, the location of the two teams probably played a big role as CSKA plays their games in the Russian capital city Moscow, also Ovechkin's hometown, while Ak Bars plays eight hours east in the lesser-known Kazan. The Capitals' Russian contingent has previously advised a few other players seeking to sign in the KHL."
"Sprong played parts of three seasons in the Washington Capitals organization, two in the NHL (2020-2022) under head coach Peter Laviolette. While with the Caps, he was teammates with several Russian or Belarusian players, including captain Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov, Ilya Samsonov, Aliaksei Protas, and Alex Alexeyev."
Daniel Sprong, 28-year-old winger, signed a one-year contract with KHL club CSKA Moscow after splitting the 2024-25 season among four NHL/AHL teams. His agent said Sprong decided on CSKA immediately during option discussions, and Russian former Capitals teammates recommended the army club over Ak Bars despite a strong offer from Ak Bars. Sprong spent parts of three seasons in the Washington Capitals organization and was teammates with several Russian and Belarusian players with KHL experience. CSKA's Moscow location and connections with former Capitals players factored into the decision. Sprong will reunite with Colby Williams on CSKA's roster.
Read at RMNB
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