5th year defenseman Ryan Sproul(55) was recently involved in a trade of former high draft picks that sent him to New York Rangers‘ prospect system.
Originally a Detroit Red Wings‘ 2nd round pick in 2011 (#55 overall), he played a career high 27 games last season, staying up in the show for the full run but was also a healthy scratch on a number of occasions and sidelined with an acl injury needing surgery a month before the end of the season.
The big 6’4″ 211 lbs. blue liner has been playing with affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack since being dealt and is definitely a strong point in their defensive zone.
He also has the ability to put up points with decent regularity, averaging close to 10 goals and 20 assists in each of his AHL campaigns.
Through his three seasons with Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, he was just over a point-per-OHL–game guy in his last two years before turning pro.
It’s still a bit of a wonder if the upcoming 24-year old restricted free agent will get more time up in the big league with his new club or be left unqualified.
He’s currently playing the second year of his extension on a one-way agreement.