After converting his PTO into another NHL contract, Seattle Kraken winger Daniel Sprong isn’t able to be a full participant with the team just yet. According to The Seattle Times’ Kate Shefte, Sprong is dealing with work visa complications and is expected to rejoin the team within the next few days.
This does put Sprong’s availability for Seattle’s season opener on Wednesday in Anaheim in doubt. While Sprong was productive in terms of goals after joining the Kraken at the trade deadline last season, their added depth on the wing puts him squarely in a fourth-line role with everyone healthy. In his stead, Karson Kuhlman is expected to dress against Anaheim if Sprong can’t play.
- Similarly, new Chicago Blackhawks forward Jason Dickinson is also battling visa issues after arriving from Vancouver. The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus reports that Dickinson will miss the team’s first two games of the season at the least, potentially missing three. Dickinson’s absence and his ability to be designated as a non-roster player in the meantime allowed them to claim defenseman Jarred Tinordi off waivers today without making a corresponding roster move.
- While Montreal Canadiens defense prospect Logan Mailloux will start the season on injured reserve, he won’t stay there for long. Sportsnet’s Eric Engels notes to expect Montreal to send him back to the OHL’s London Knights after he returns to practice. Mailloux is expected to play a full season in London after injuries and a lengthy suspension due to his sexual misconduct charge during his draft year in Sweden limited him to 12 games.
I wonder if they even want Tinordi to even show up? He will most likely be inactive and will be waived when Dickinson gets his Visa straightened out. Not a bad gig, collect a paycheck for 3 games at your house.
Way to go Sprong proving you belong even if it is in and out of the lineup…
Hey Danny, just sneak over the border! Then you’ll get free trips, accommodations, food and medical care. In fact, you’ll be treated better than an American
Signed,
Joe Biden
I really don’t get the whole Tinordi thing. Forgetting the fact that he’s horrible, Why play him over a guy like Beaudin who could use the NHL experience? I mean , Does Richardson really think a veteran is the best way to go here? And if so, Does he really think they are going to compete in any way , shape, or form? Inquiring minds wanna know.
I think they want him as a 7th defenseman. Meaning he’ll often be a heathy scratch. I think they want the guys they actually care about playing everyday either in the NHL or AHL to further their development. It’s nice to have a guy that you don’t have to worry about. That you can use when you want to, sit when you want to, and as soon as you feel like someone else might be ready to step up you can cut him loose and he didn’t cost you anything.