Story Summary
HK Dukla Trenčín have signed Canadian centre Ryan Spooner. The 34-year-old, who spent seven seasons in the NHL and several years in the KHL, was announced by the club and is expected to join the team once paperwork is completed.
Key Facts
- HK Dukla Trenčín announced the signing of Canadian forward/centre Ryan Spooner.
- Spooner is 34 years old.
- He played seven seasons in the NHL, appearing in 325 games and scoring 167 points (48 goals and 119 assists).
- Spooner was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2010, 45th overall.
- His NHL clubs included the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks.
- In Europe, he played two games for HC Lugano in Switzerland before moving to the KHL.
- KHL teams listed in his career include Dinamo Minsk, Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg, the Shanghai Dragons and Avangard Omsk.
- In 346 KHL regular-season games he recorded 82 goals and 204 assists; he also played 32 KHL playoff games, scoring 4 goals and 10 assists.
- Spooner had a brief spell with Lausanne before returning to Dinamo Minsk.
- Spooner said he spoke with Todd Woodcroft over the summer and mentioned a past connection with Ryan Merkley.
- Spooner described his personal goals as becoming the best version of himself and enjoying the game while helping the team have a successful season.
- Dukla sporting director Branko Radivojevič said first contact with Spooner took place in May and called him ‘a player of world-class’, adding Spooner could join the team next week once paperwork is finalised.
IHM Discussion
Trenčín have moved to add experienced offence with Ryan Spooner, a centre with seven NHL seasons and an extensive KHL record. Across 325 NHL games he recorded 167 points, while his KHL regular-season totals stand at 82 goals and 204 assists in 346 games. Sporting director Branko Radivojevič believes Spooner can bring offensive quality and become one of the team’s leaders. Spooner said he wants to enjoy his hockey and help the club have a successful season.
Why It Matters
Spooner brings substantial experience from the NHL, Switzerland and the KHL to Trenčín’s forward group. His KHL scoring record gives Dukla an established attacking option, while the club hope his experience will also make him one of its leaders.
Mini Q&A
Who is Ryan Spooner?
Ryan Spooner is a 34-year-old Canadian centre who has played seven NHL seasons and several years in the KHL.
What are Spooner’s NHL and KHL numbers?
In the NHL Spooner played 325 games for 167 points (48 goals and 119 assists). In the KHL he appeared in 346 regular-season games with 82 goals and 204 assists, plus 32 playoff games with 4 goals and 10 assists.
When will Spooner join Dukla Trenčín?
Dukla said Spooner could join the team ‘next week’ once all paperwork and formalities are resolved.
What role does the club expect him to play?
Dukla’s sporting director described Spooner as a player of ‘world-class’ experience who should bring offensive qualities and be one of the team’s leaders.
Coach Mark Comment
Spooner’s value should lie in the experience and offensive production he brings to a new forward group. The first task for the coaching staff will be to settle him with linemates and give him a clear role once his paperwork is complete.
IHM Final View
Spooner is an eye-catching addition for HK Dukla Trenčín, bringing a lengthy NHL and KHL background and a strong KHL scoring record. His arrival remains subject to the completion of paperwork, but Dukla expect him to add offensive quality and leadership.