Red Wings prospect and 2023 9th overall draft pick Nate Danielson turns 19 today, and after last night’s 2-assist performance in the Red Wings’ preseason opener, the Free Press’s Helene St. James discusses Danielson’s potential:
The Wings drafted Danielson out of the Western Hockey League at No. 9 overall. General manager Steve Yzerman said, “we like all parts of his game. He’s got pretty good size, he’s a good skater, he’s got good skills, he’s a good two-way centerman, so there’s a lot to like about him. He’s just a solid all-around prospect.”
Michael Rasmussen, himself a No. 9 overall pick from 2017, shared his thoughts on Danielson’s early showings.
“He’s impressive,” Rasmussen said. “He’s really poised, just goes about his business, good attitude. Works hard. It’s nice to see him get rewarded. Besides the goal I thought he played really well, too. I just think he handles himself really well — hockey sense, skill, patience. He seems like he’s got a good head on his shoulders.”
The Wings have seven exhibition games left, starting with Thursday at the Washington Capitals. They play back-to-back games at home this weekend, and then have three in three days next week. That kind of glut scheduling is conducive to getting a young player multiple looks. Danielson’s first showing certainly warrants giving him five or six games, if possible.
Continued; I hate early predictions being made after the first preseason game, but I said throughout training camp that I was impressed by Danielson’s overall skating and especially his level of self-belief. You don’t captain the Brandon Wheat Kings as a 17-year-old if you don’t believe in yourself, and Danielson’s quietly confident in all best senses of the term.
