April 26, 2015
Coverage: Hanging their hopes
BY BRIAN METZER
Sights, sounds and the scene from Consol Energy Center …
• The Penguins held their final media availability this morning, and all players except Craig Adams, Paul Martin and Steve Downie shared thoughts on a season that ended in disappointment.
There was definitely an air of optimism, as well, and that came from the injured players excited about getting back to action next season, and the fact that their superstars affirmed anew they want to spend their entire careers in Pittsburgh.
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were both asked to comment on a report by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review — one that offered no quotes, background or substantiation of any kind — that both are either unhappy or want out.
Bill Guerin and Tom Fitzgerald welcome top pick Daniel Sprong to the Penguins' table. -- GETTY
June 27, 2015
Complete 2015 Penguins draft capsules
19by Brian Metzer • Coverage • Penguins
BY BRIAN METZER
SUNRISE, Fla. — Here’s a complete breakdown of the Penguins’ four picks in the 2015 NHL Draft, with audio of their interview sessions available by clicking their names:
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Daniel Sprong
Round (overall): 2 (46)
Position: Right wing
Size: 6-0, 180
Shoots: Right
Born: Amsterdam, Netherlands
2014-15 team: Charlottetown (QMJHL)
Numbers: Led his team in goals (39), assists (49) and points (39-49—88) for second straight season to push Charlottetown to second-place finish in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Maritimes Division. … Added 11 points (7-4—11) in 10 playoff games to help Charlottetown win a playoff series for first time since 2004. … Was sixth-ranked right winger in the draft via International Scouting Service and 26th-ranked prospect overall. … Has tie to Penguins: Played bantam hockey for Wilkes-Barre Knights in 2011-12.
Plus: One of best snipers in draft, already possessing NHL shot. … Elite scoring threat capable of stickhandling in tightest spaces. … Past two seasons, was main offensive weapon for his team and carried load almost singlehandedly. … Capable of avoiding checks, thanks in part to great vision. … Uses great speed to beat defenders and get to scoring areas. … Looking to become first Dutch-born player in NHL since Ed Kea, who spent five seasons with Atlanta Flames in 1974-79.
Minus: His play away from puck is why he was available for Penguins. Compete level and defensive awareness without puck has been questioned for most of past two seasons. Has been known to take shifts off and doesn’t always give a full effort. One scout called him “lazy on the backcheck.”
Randy Sexton, Penguins co-director of scouting, says: “We were delighted to get him. The two famous lines from every draft are ‘We couldn’t believe he was still there’ and ‘We had him a lot higher on our list.’ Both were true today for Sprong. He’s a tremendous goal-scorer, has an NHL release and shot. He needs to work on the defensive side of his game like most young players. We think there is tremendous upside with him.”
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