The Athletic’s Max Bultman posted a meaty notebook article discussing the Red Wings’ stand-out summer development campers, and he begins by stating that turning-pro center/winger Nate Danielson impressed, as he should have done:
Nate Danielson, Detroit’s 2023 first-round pick, grabbed attention from the very beginning and held it all the way through Friday’s three-on-three tournament.
Coming off a big second half in the WHL with Portland, Danielson set an early tone at the camp. He “tested probably No. 1,” Red Wings assistant director of player development Dan Cleary said earlier in the week, and added on Friday that Danielson, “showed the way” to newer prospects with his professionalism and maturity. It also didn’t hurt that he scored a pair of goals — plus a shootout game-winner — in the scrimmage tournament.
While the Red Wings view the camp more for teaching than evaluation, Danielson looked like the team’s best prospect at the event, showing off his high-end skating, comfort with the puck, and displaying his finishing touch as well. His first goal in the tournament came just 11 seconds into his first game, wasting no time.
“I thought Nate Danielson was great every day,” Cleary said.
It’s exactly what the Red Wings would have wanted to see from Danielson as he gets set to turn pro this season. While a preseason push for the Detroit roster can’t be ruled out, he’s most likely ticketed for a big role with AHL Grand Rapids first. No matter where he starts the season, though, Danielson’s showing at camp was just the latest in an encouraging trajectory from Danielson.
Continued (paywall)
