Controversial former NHLer proves why teams in America want nothing to do with him

The former NHL winger scored 1:38 into overtime to lift Avtomobilist past Traktor Chelyabinsk 4-3 in a KHL preseason game, then turned toward his own bench, jabbed a finger into his chest repeatedly, and shouted "That's why I am the best."

The KHL's official English account posted the video, and it quickly went viral.

The outburst made more sense once the backstory surfaced. Less than 24 hours before the game, Russian media reported Avtomobilist was preparing to terminate Sprong's contract, with Ak Bars floated as a possible landing spot.

Sprong had already set up Anatoly Golyshev's go-ahead goal late in the third period before Traktor forced overtime, then closed it out himself.

Sprong's KHL tenure has echoed a familiar theme from his NHL career.

He was a healthy scratch for over a month at CSKA Moscow under head coach Igor Nikitin despite leading the team in scoring, before CSKA traded him to Avtomobilist in January for cash.

That benching mirrors the trajectory that saw Sprong bounce through seven NHL organizations, including Pittsburgh, Washington, Seattle, and New Jersey, without ever locking down a consistent role.

Scouts have long praised Sprong's shot and playmaking instincts, but coaches across two leagues have questioned his defensive commitment and accountability.

Moments like this one, celebrating individually while his team's plans to move on from him played out in the background, help explain why raw skill alone hasn't been enough to keep him anchored anywhere for long.

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