MLive’s Ansar Khan posted a subscriber-only article which discusses Red Wings prospect Nate Danielson’s expectations for his first campaign as a professional hockey player. Danielson’s level of self-confidence is off the charts, but he faces long odds in terms of making the Red Wings’ roster out of training camp:
Danielson likely will need at least one season in Grand Rapids to continue developing. He made his pro debut last spring in two playoff games with the Griffins, after his junior club, Portland, was eliminated in the WHL Championship by Moose Jaw.
“It was a good experience, making that jump to pro next year and just kind of knowing the speed of the game,” Danielson said. “Obviously, everyone’s older, bigger, heavier, and stronger.
“Just feeling how much guys are stronger on pucks and things like that, it definitely kind of gives you a little extra motivation to be in the gym and really work on that aspect of it.”
Danielson tallied 24 goals and 67 points in 54 games split between Brandon and Portland last season. He led the Winterhawks’ playoff push with seven goals and 24 points in 18 postseason games.
Continued (paywall) with comments from Red Wings assistant director of player development Dan Cleary;
Danielson is only 19, and he’s highly likely to play an AHL campaign at the very least before vying for an NHL job, but he’s borderline cocky, and at his age, that’s a positive quality.
