Detroit Hockey Now’s Tim Robinson posted a behind-the-paywall article about Red Wings 2023 first-round draft pick Nate Danielson. The 9th overall pick might only be 18 going on 19 this September 27th, but the young man is composed, on and off the ice–and confident in his abilities:
“I’m here to try to make the team,” he said. “Obviously, I’m gonna take it one day at a time and just focus on each practice and each game, but overall, I’m here to make the team.”
[Coach Dan] Watson, on the the other hand, indicated Danielson will likely have his chance to bid for a spot with the Red Wings after another junior season with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League.
“He’s very mature, very smart player,” Watson said. “It’s going to be making sure he manages the puck the right times, and he’s going to have to grow into the offensive game, too, He’s going to be a really good junior player this year when he goes back, and I think it’s going to be an opportunity to grow his game offensively.”
Continued; most likely (like 99%), Danielson is headed back to Brandon of the WHL, but if you can rate a prospect on will and self-belief–and healthy confidence–Danielson is a 10.
Wasn’t a fan of the pick at the time, liked Benson or Dvorsky better, but so far I like what I hear about this guy. At worst he should be a 2nd line center and with Kasper to compete against, that’s a good problem to have.