The Athletic’s Max Bultman examines the 2024-2025 season performances of 5 Red Wings prospects who happen to play for the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins:
Nate Danielson, 20, C
Danielson is Detroit’s top prospect in Grand Rapids, and with that comes a bit of a microscope, especially when it comes to his production. And through that lens, it’s been an interesting season for him.
There was a point about a month ago, for example, where it looked like Danielson was really starting to pop statistically. After a quieter start, he had 12 points in 12 games from November 13 to December 13.
In the 14 games since, though, he has just 6 points. Some of that has been across the board for the Griffins, who have cooled off a bit of late, but I was particularly curious what Danielson’s offensive game would look like when I saw him Friday and came away impressed.
He had an assist, hit a post on another chance and used his speed wide to create potential looks as well. The Griffins’ night went sour after they gave up a 3-0 lead to lose 5-4 in a shootout, leading to a frustrated locker room, but I thought Danielson was one of the bright spots of the game.
“He’s been great,” Danielson’s linemate Austin Watson said. “It takes a little bit of time to get used to the physicality of the game — it’s a little tighter, a little quicker — but he’s a really good 200-foot hockey player. He doesn’t shy away from getting in on the battles, getting in on the forecheck, and he’s been a great player for us all year long.”
Continued (paywall); Bultman speaks with coach Dan Watson and forward Austin Watson (no relation) regarding Danielson, William Wallinder, Shai Buium, Elmer Soderblom and Sebastian Cossa.
