Red Wings office is focused on Danielson
There are prospects, like Antti Tuomisto, who need to show the Red Wings that they are ready for the NHL. For Nate Danielson, however, there seems to be a clear path from Grand Rapids to Detroit. Danielson’s name seems to come up more than any other when management talks about the future.
Selected in the first round of the 2023 NHL draft (ninth overall) Danielson has a familiar skillset for Detroit. The 25 year post season streak saw an intense focus on the defensive play of the entire team. In particular, strong two way centermen were at the heart of four Stanley Cup winning teams.
Standing at 6’1”, Danielson is a right shot center who can hold onto the puck and skate through multiple defenders. His pre draft synopsis on Elite Prospects said:
“Danielson was a creator of rush offence, building speed beneath the puck, charging through the neutral zone with possession, carving the ice up with powerful, agile crossovers, and turning the corner on opposing defenceman. Equal parts natural speed as a skater and handling skill made that a relatively effective signature move for the Wheat Kings centre”
Danielson’s transition to the AHL
While his first AHL season saw some growing pains, Danielson seems to always supply a couple of highlight reel zone entries. He skates into the opposing team, dropping the puck between his skates and using his stick to fend off the defense. Danielson’s creativity in finding his teammates shows glimpses of an elite level passing game.
Danielson accumulated 39 points (12 goals, 27 assists) in 71 games last season. His confidence seemed to grow as the year progressed for the Grand Rapids Griffins. His game seems best served when he is carrying the puck into the offensive zone. Danielson uses his skating and puck handling to open up the ice and create opportunities.
His success will be based on having a well rounded game at both ends of the ice. As a player, General Manager Steve Yzerman was challenged to become a 200 ft player by coaching legend Scotty Bowman. “The Captain” learned to sacrifice goal scoring in order to take his team to the next level. For Detroit, that became the blueprint for all of its centermen and Nate Danielson seems to match that profile.
Danielson can take a job this year
When Steve Yzerman or Kris Draper name the prospects that could make the main roster, Danielson’s name is usually at the top of the list. They have been excited about the growth and work ethic that Danielson brings to the rink. The entire office will be watching Nate closely in camp and in the preseason.
The Redwings need for explosive centermen is second only to the deficits on the blue line. If Danielson shows that he can hold down NHL minutes, he could well send a veteran onto the waiver wire. Whether or not he starts the year in Detroit, Danielson seems all but certain to have opportunities skating with the Red Wings.
All of the Red Wings prospects watched closely as Marco Kasper took his place in Detroit’s top six. The celebrated his success, and took careful notes on exactly how Kasper accomplished it. Danielson seems to be the next in line that could provide a repeat of that performance.
I haven’t really found a good way to watch AHL games. I did see some of the playoff games, for what that’s worth. However, sine I only see highlight reels, I can’t see the complete picture. I am super excited to see these guys come up, after all that’s what we’ve been waiting for. I just don’t know as much as I would like, you know? I don’t see the whole picture.
Saying that, how do you see the timeline playing out? Whom do you think the first guys up will be? Danielson, Mazur pretty obviously. How about on D? I realize it would all be hypothetical. I still think SY makes a trade and that could change things.
I hope this isn’t a dumb question. Like I said, I feel out of the loop here. Thanks!
It’s a fantastic conversation, i appreciate you logging in with that. I just put up a new youtube video talking about the massive deficit on Larkin’s wing. They still haven’t addressed that, and Kasper looked really good there before he moved to center last year. Mazur, if not for injury, would be slated for the bottom 6 in Detroit (opinion). They love his game, and it’s been bad luck for him the past couple seasons that’s kept him in GR. Assuming he’s locked in fort he bottom 6, the name Draper and Yzerman talk about the most is Danielson. I think they really want to get him up. My opinion is that Lombardi should have a shot on Larkin’s wing. He played 27 fewer games than Danielson and had 1 more point (40 points in 44 games) and 7 more goals. Lombardi looks very similar to Kasper. After him, Kiiskinen and Brandsegg-Nygard are getting a lot of buzz. I think they’ll jump ahead in line. Those are my 4 picks for next in line. Mazur just needs to be healthy, but projects in a different type of role.
For the AHL, look up “AHL TV”. They do a very good job on those broadcasts, you can subscribe to just Grand Rapids or do the whole league. You can also purchase smaller packages if you don’t want to commit for the whole season. Bob Kaiser is a highlight of those broadcasts and brings the games to life.
Thanks for that info! I had no idea that the AHL had its own network. I guess there will be a lot more hockey on my plate this season.