Penguins' Daniel Sprong: Making strides after surgery

Sprong (shoulder) is healing faster than expected from surgery in June and could return to action in January or February, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis:

Coming off of major shoulder surgery, it would be unwise to expect big things from Sprong in the short term. He probably offers more offensive upside than any other Pittsburgh prospect but it's unlikely that he will make much of an impact prior to 2017-18. The 19-year-old scored two goals in 18 NHL contests last year before the Penguins returned him to QMJHL Charlottetown.