On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin recently addressed the decision to trade forward Daniel Sprong, highlighting the challenges of finding the right fit with head coach Rick Tocchet’s team structure and style. Allvin praised Sprong’s efforts and acknowledged his hard work and positive attitude but ultimately explained why the forward would be better suited for a different team environment. In this post, I’ll break down Allvin’s reasoning and what it reveals about the Canucks’ evolving team philosophy under Tocchet.
Allvin Noted Sprong’s Dedication and Work Ethic
Allvin began by emphasizing Sprong’s dedication, noting the forward’s commitment and strong work ethic. “I give Daniel Sprong a lot of credit,” Allvin said, praising Sprong’s positive attitude and hard work. Sprong’s time with the Canucks showed his willingness to push himself, which Allvin acknowledged as valuable for the team. However, this alone wasn’t enough to secure his long-term role in Vancouver.
Allvin also highlighted that Sprong deserved an opportunity to play higher in the lineup, which didn’t pan out in Vancouver. “I believed Daniel deserved a chance higher up in the lineup,” Allvin shared. This desire to see Sprong advance was genuine. However, ultimately, he didn’t find the right chemistry or style fit to reach his potential with the Canucks.
Sprong Didn’t Fit Tocchet’s System
Allvin explained that one primary reason for the trade was a stylistic misalignment between Sprong’s game and Tocchet’s vision for the Canucks. The Canucks’ coaching staff, led by Tocchet, is focused on building a particular style of play — one that emphasizes “in-the-house” play. That likely means a more defensive, compact approach prioritizing high-percentage plays and tighter team structure. According to Allvin, the coaching staff felt that other players aligned more naturally with Tocchet’s system, leading to an internal competition where Sprong didn’t quite fit.
A New/Old Opportunity for Sprong
In the end, Allvin saw the trade as a chance for Sprong to seek a fresh start in a new environment, although, in this case, it’s an old one. Sprong moves back to the Kraken. They know him well. He scored over 20 goals for them in 2022-23.
Sprong could fit into a lineup spot in Seattle that better suits his playing style. Expressing gratitude for Sprong’s contributions, Allvin wished him the best, signaling the team’s appreciation and respect for his efforts despite the challenging decision to part ways.
Reading Between the Lines
Reading between the lines of Allvin’s comments, he seems to be suggesting that Sprong’s style of play didn’t mesh with the structured, system-focused style that head coach Tocchet is building with the Canucks. Allvin’s praise for Sprong’s work ethic and attitude feels genuine. Still, it serves to soften the underlying message. Yes, Sprong is a skilled player. However, he wasn’t a fit for the more defensively disciplined, “in-the-house” approach Tocchet emphasizes.
By saying that Sprong “deserved a chance higher up in the lineup,” Allvin hints that the Canucks couldn’t find the right spot for him due to system demands or existing lineup structures. This implies that while Sprong has potential, Vancouver doesn’t see a way to utilize him effectively. This is common when a coach with a specific style takes a chance on a player. Certain players may fit well, and others don’t. Sprong can be a capable contributor someplace, just not with the Canucks.
Finally, Allvin’s choice of words around “internal competition” reflects the emphasis Tocchet is placing on cultivating a specific, committed style across the team. Allvin subtly implies that the Canucks might prioritize team cohesion and style fit over individual talent if that player doesn’t align with the intended vision.
The Bottom Line: A Move Toward Tocchet’s Vision
Allvin’s comments on the Sprong trade hint at the Canucks’ broader commitment to a team style that aligns with Tocchet’s vision. Moving forward, the Canucks will continue to make roster changes that prioritize system fit over individual talent. While Sprong’s departure might seem like a loss, Allvin and the Canucks see it as necessary in their quest to establish a team identity rooted in a cohesive style of play.
More must-reads:
- Is a Connor Bedard breakout coming in 2025-26?
- Colts to sign key offensive lineman to a massive extension
- The 'NFL all-time touchdown receptions leaders' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal
Top Islanders Star Tells Asst. GM, 'You Better Not Trade Me'
The New York Islanders are entering a new era under a revamped front office, and signs point to a potential retool—or even a rebuild. The most telling move came at the NHL Draft in June, when the team traded star defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for two first-round picks. It’s a rare move in today’s NHL to deal your top blueliner, and it raised eyebrows across the league. Analysts and fans have wondered if more moves are coming. Since there are several teams looking for quality assets at a reasonable salary cap, it’s a logical question. Is Bo Horvat A Potential Trade Candidate? During an appearance on the Cam and Strick Podcast, newly appointed assistant to the general manager Matt Martin—an Islanders fan favorite and longtime forward—revealed a humorous but telling moment from inside the locker room. Martin, now working closely with the Isles’ new GM, said that Bo Horvat texted him immediately after the front office changes were announced. “You better not trade me,” Horvat reportedly wrote. The comments from Martin suggest that Horvat has no desire to leave the team, even if the Islanders aren’t set to be competitive this coming season. If the team is dumping some of their best talents, he does not want to be among those the organization chooses to sell. Horvat likely didn’t have to worry. He has a full no-trade clause as part of his contract, and even if management were open to asking him to waive it, he could have blocked any deal. It sounds like that would be his intention, so he was getting ahead of things by making sure they knew not to even ask.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love’s Action Causes Teammate to Get Yanked From Drill
It appears that Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is getting better at one area, particularly when it comes to the hard count. He had success last week with his hard count when he got both Nate Hobbs and Edgerrin Cooper jumping on separate occasions. Love, who is entering his third season as the Packers’ full-time starting quarterback, continues to work on his game and polish areas where improvements can be made, and mastering the hard count seems like one of the items he is focused on in the training camp. It can also be recalled that he talked about the hard count back in the 2023 OTAs as an “emphasis that I’ve been trying to just build and keep working.” Green Bay offense takes friendly fire over Love’s hard count On Monday, Love drew another offside because of his hard count, but not at the expense of the defense. Via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic: “Love got Hobbs to jump with his hard count last week. On Monday, Love got another Packers newcomer to jump on the hard count. The only problem for Love is that it was his own left guard. Banks flinched right before defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt and was booted from the drill for Jacob Monk.” Getting familiar with Love’s cadence is a challenge for the Packers’ offensive line, as the team definitely doesn’t want to see the QBs hard counts resulting in penalties for the offense instead of seeing the same intended result for the opposing defense.
Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg dies after battle with cancer
Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg lost his battle with cancer on Monday. He was 65. A 20th-round selection by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1978 MLB Draft, Sandberg quickly moved through the Phillies system despite his humble beginnings. He made his major league debut at the end of the 1981 season, getting six plate appearances in 13 games, his only hit coming off of a bat he borrowed from shortstop Larry Bowa. Drafted as a shortstop, the Phillies hoped that Sandberg would be the heir apparent for Bowa. However, that 13-game stint convinced the Phillies that he was not the answer. Although Sandberg had played at second and third as well in the minors, he was blocked at those positions by Manny Trillo and Mike Schmidt respectively. Bowa and Sandberg were traded to the Cubs during the 1981-82 offseason, with shortstop Ivan DeJesus heading to Philadelphia. Sandberg, now a second baseman, had a solid first two seasons in Chicago before exploding into stardom in 1984. He posted a .314/.367/.520 batting line in his 700 plate appearances, hitting 19 homers and 36 doubles while stealing 32 bases as he led the Cubs to their first postseason berth since 1945. Sandberg made his first All-Star Game, was named the NL MVP, won a Silver Slugger and his second Gold Glove award. A perennial All-Star, Sandberg possessed a combination of power and speed at second base that was rare for his era. He was a 10-time All-Star, winning nine Gold Gloves and seven Silver Sluggers. Sandberg posted a lifetime .285/.344/.452 batting line in his 9282 plate appearances, hitting 282 homers and 403 doubles while stealing 344 bases. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame 2005 in his third year on the ballot. After a decade away from the game, Sandberg returned as a minor league manager in the Cubs system in 2007, moving up the ladder to Triple-A in 2009. After Cubs manager Mike Quade was fired, and Sandberg was passed over for the opening, he joined the Phillies organization in 2011. After three years in the Phillies organization, he became the interim manager in 2013, and was eventually hired full-time at the end of the season. Sandberg lasted just over two years in total as the Phillies manager, resigning after 74 games in 2015 as the losses piled up. He remained in the game as a goodwill ambassador for the Cubs before announcing that he had prostate cancer in 2024. Although his cancer had gone into remission, it returned in December, spreading to other organs before Sandberg ultimately lost his battle. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Sandberg during this difficult time.
2 key Commanders players struggling early in 2025 NFL training camp
Things improved for the Washington Commanders when Terry McLaurin finally showed up to camp. And head coach Dan Quinn was among the happy people. However, McLaurin’s previous absence and the consequences put him as one of two Commanders players struggling early in the team’s 2025 training camp. The Commanders are looking forward to what they hope will be another strong regular season and one more step further in the playoffs. But McLaurin’s contract demands and subsequent absence have been a big distraction for the Commanders. Commanders WR Terry McLaurin has ground to make up A six-year veteran, McLaurin should be able to make up for lost time. However, even veterans sometimes suffer from straying from the normal preseason routines. So it remains to be seen whether McLaurin’s absences will cost him when the regular season rolls around. Either in the form of injury or reduced production. It also doesn’t help that McLaurin has lost valuable time continuing to grow the timing and relationship with second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. It’s the kind of thing that can turn a promising season into a disappointing one. Adding to the woes, McLaurin still doesn’t have a deal. That could shift hiim from a locker room boost to a player whose self-focus hurts the team. Of course, the Commanders are trying to say the right things. That’s all they can do at this point. Quinn said the Commanders are happy to have McLaurin back, according to nfl.com. “Terry McLaurin has reported, and we’re very happy about that,” Quinn said. “I’m really pumped that he is here. He is such an awesome competitor. At his core, that’s who he is. “He’ll start training camp on PUP for his ankle. On the business side, (Commanders General Manager Adam Peters) and the guys are still working very hard with Terry and his rep on the business side of things. While on PUP — just like we do with the other guys. He’ll be working with the trainers to get back as soon as he can.” McLaurin also tried to put a positive spin on the negative situation. “It feels good to be around my teammates and around my fans,” McLaurin said. “I can’t beat that at all. They show me a lot of love and support, and I just try to give that back, not just on the field but off the field.” But the truth is, the Commanders and McLaurin don’t appear to be close on a contract, according to commanderswire.com. “It’s been vast,” NFL insider Adam Schefter said when asked what the separation was between the two sides. “It’s up to the two sides to figure out a way to bridge their differences. But I would say that DK Metcalf was the same draft class as Terry McLaurin; he got about $33 million per year. And I wouldn’t think that Terry is going to take less than that. I think he wants considerably more than that. Now, what it comes in at, we’ll wind up seeing.” DE Andre Jones Jr. slipping down depth chart It didn’t help Jones’ cause that the Commanders signed Von Miller. It’s not like Jones was battling for a starting spot, but he’s not even in the roster picture at this point. He stands as a fourth-teamer behind Miller, Dorance Armstrong, Jacob Martin, Deatrich Wise Jr., Jalyn Holmes, and Clelin Ferrell. When the Commanders selected Jones in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, his former college position coach at Louisiana thought it was a steal thought it was a great pick, according to commanders.com. “I think Washington got a steal,” Giuliani said. “He’s capable of anything.” However, Jones has made only two starts over two seasons with zero sacks and five tackles. And now it looks like his days with the Commanders could be moving toward their end. His overall grade of 39.3 from Pro Football Focus doesn’t help his cause. It ranked 203 out of 211 defensive ends. He had a slightly better pass-rush grade of 52.7, but it only moved the needle to No. 178 in that category. Still, he’s with a team that needs to improve its pass rush. Adding Miller could help, but the Commanders plan to harass quarterbacks by committee for the most part. However, it could help Jones’ cause that Miller wants to help the younger players, according to commanders.com. “I tell them what I should have been doing,” Miller said. “And that could be just different dynamics on the football field or rushing or just coming to work, just your daily process at work. So, I still love working with the young guys, and that’s something that I’ll be able to offer to this team.”
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
