MLive’s Ansar Khan posted a day-after-the-game column about Nate Danielson’s debut with the Red Wings’ prospects, who lost 4-2 to Dallas last night. Danielson had two assists in his Red Wings debut:
The Detroit Red Wings’ top pick in this year’s drafted assisted on both goals in a 4-2 loss to Dallas in Traverse City, displaying some of the traits that prompted the team to take him ninth overall.
“I thought he was a real smart player,” Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson said. “He plays a 200-foot game, he makes plays, he sees plays, he anticipates the game well. He’s going to be a really good player. And that’s kind of the first time I’ve really seen him live, outside of watching video on him before the tournament. I like where his head’s at. He’s mature for his age.”
Danielson, a 6-2 right-shooting center, realizes it’s important to measure himself against more experienced players.
“I thought it was a pretty fast game,” Danielson, 18, said. “There’s some older guys and they’re a bit bigger and stronger, so it was a little more physical than I’m used to. I thought I did a good job of adjusting to it pretty quick.”
“I think everything happens a little bit quicker. You have to really be out there with your head up and just making plays a bit quicker.”
Continued; Danielson is only 18, but the skinny Brandon Wheat Kings captain isn’t lacking in self-confidence.
