The Rick Tocchet Phone Call That Convinced Daniel Sprong to Join the Canucks…
Rick Tocchet had two pivotal phone calls with Daniel Sprong, the newest addition to the Vancouver Canucks. These conversations solidified Sprong’s decision to join the team, primarily due to Tocchet’s belief in his potential to become a more defensively reliable player.
Sprong, known for his scoring ability, has proven his offensive talent over the past two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings and Seattle Kraken, amassing 39 goals and 89 points. Despite his offensive prowess, his new contract with the Canucks is worth just $895,000, reflecting concerns about his defensive play.
In a recent media call, Sprong acknowledged his need for improvement, particularly in his defensive game, and expressed excitement about the Canucks’ commitment to helping him become a better player.
Tocchet’s successful track record with players like Nils Hoglander and Dakota Joshua is promising for Sprong. Joshua, initially signed before Tocchet’s arrival, has developed into a key NHL forward under Tocchet’s guidance. Similarly, Hoglander overcame his off-the-puck struggles to score 24 goals last season, often playing alongside Elias Pettersson.
Tocchet, familiar with Sprong from their time in Pittsburgh, expressed high hopes for him. He appreciated Sprong’s accountability during their discussions about his past challenges and believes Sprong can improve his defensive game.
Tocchet’s coaching has also benefited players like Brock Boeser, who has become a dependable presence in late-game situations. Boeser’s development under Tocchet highlights the potential benefits for Sprong in this new environment.
Sprong, who was drafted in Pittsburgh by the current Canucks management, sees this move as a chance to return to familiar territory and reach new heights in his career with the support of those who first recognized his potential.
