MLive’s Ansar Khan reports that Red Wings prospect center Nate Danielson is earning hefty praise from Patrick Kane as the young center begins his professional hockey career:
“Danielson’s really impressive,” [Patrick] Kane said. “Skated with him a little bit when I first came into Detroit (this summer). A lot of skill, kind of reminds me a little bit of (Connor) Bedard, the way he plays and the way he stickhandles and shoots. I know he’s a high-end prospect as well, but he looks like he’s got a bright future.”
Danielson, the Detroit Red Wings’ top pick in 2023 (ninth overall), practically blushed when told of Kane’s comparison to a generational talent.
“I don’t know about that,” Danielson said. “Connor is a pretty special player. It’s cool to hear a compliment from Patrick Kane. He’s obviously someone I look up to. Just having him here, he’s someone I try to pick his brain, see what he thinks, what he likes to do. He’s kind of like Sidney Crosby to me. He’s someone I grew up watching and idolizing. I think I’ve watched his shootouts thousands of times. It definitely gives you a bit of a confidence boost hearing him say something like that about you.”
Danielson turns 20 on Friday and turns full-time pro this season. He’s competing for a spot with the Red Wings but their roster is crowded with veterans. He might need some develop time in Grand Rapids, where he played two playoff games last spring after completing his junior career.
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Coach Derek Lalonde is impressed by how far along Danielson seems to be.
“Hockey sense, feel for the game, puck support, game management,” Lalonde said. “Really nice player. I think still understanding some things in the game. He seems to have a little more puck-play issues in camp than he did last year. I think that’s part of the natural development. But obviously there’s a lot of upside. Seems to be a gamer. I’m excited about seeing him in games. Last year in camp he had an OK camp, and they really started to flourish when the games came around. It doesn’t surprise me, the way he thinks the game.”
Continued (paywall);
Update: Here’s more from the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan:
Danielson’s hockey IQ and instincts stand out to Wings’ veterans.
“Really smart player,” forward Andrew Copp said. “He knows where to be and knows how to move the puck. You can tell he’s put on a little bit of muscle. He knows where to be on the ice. That’s (hockey IQ) everything in hockey, as much as it is being fast or skating. If you’re a smart player, you’ll play for a long time.”
Said coach Derek Lalonde: “Hockey sense, his feel for the game, puck support and game management, he’s (Danielson) a real nice player. There’s a lot upside. He seems to be a gamer, so I’m excited about seeing him in games.”
Danielson gained strength over the summer and looks thicker in his upper body.
“That’s something that will help me this year, especially in the corners,” Danielson said. “An extra couple of pounds make a big difference, helping to win battles.”
