Sprong became the eighth Penguin ever named to the AHL's All-Rookie Team, joining Casey DeSmith (2016-17), Jake Guentzel (2016-17), Matt Murray (2014-15), Alex Goligoski (2007-08), John Curry (2007-08), Michel Ouellet (2003-04) and Toby Petersen (2000-01).
Since starting the 2017-18 campaign with seven goals and 10 points in his first five games, Sprong has put together a terrific rookie campaign with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, recording 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points in 59 contests with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season. The 21-year-old currently leads all league rookies in goals, and he ranks second in points, shots (181), power play goals (10) and game-winning goals (6). His 57 points also place him ninth in the overall AHL scoring standings.
The Amsterdam, Netherlands native was a second round pick (46th overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sprong saw a stint in the NHL earlier this season with Pittsburgh, during which he registered two goals and an assist across eight games.
The full 2017-18 AHL All-Rookie Team is as follows:
Goaltender -
Ville Husso
, San Antonio Rampage (37GP, 15-13-5, 2.32 GAA, .926sv%, 4 SO)
Defense -
Filip Hronek
, Grand Rapids Griffins (62GP, 9G-24A, 33PTS, +21, 4 GWG)
Defense -
Sami Niku
, Manitoba Moose (71GP, 15G-37A, 52PTS, +18, 9 PPG)
Forward -
Mason Appleton
, Manitoba Moose (71GP, 21G-40A, 61PTS, +13, 7 PPG, 6 GWG)
Forward -
Daniel Sprong
, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (59GP, 28G-29A, 57PTS, +2, 10 PPG, 6 GWG)
Forward -
Dylan Strome
, Tucson Roadrunners (47GP, 22G-28A, 50PTS, +8, 9 PPG, 3 GWG)
Each player will receive a custom-designed crystal award in recognition of his selection to the All-Rookie Team.
