Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff profiles Red Wings prospect Nate Danielson this morning, discussing Danielson’s pluses and minuses ahead of a likely first full NHL season for the 21-year-old center:
Three Reasons Why Danielson Will Play in the NHL
- He plays a 200-foot-game. The NHL loves players to be responsible all over the ice in today’s game. Danielson was already that type of player in junior.
- His hockey sense. Danielson thinks the game well. He can be counted on to do the right thing in any situation on the ice.
- He’s a strong skater. Danielson can get around the ice quickly. That plays a major role in his ability to check and to create in attack.
What May Hold Him Back
The same issue evident in Danielson’s first NHL stint remains a concern with his game. Can he generate enough offense to be a productive NHLer? The answer to this question will determine whether Danielson can be a top-nine forward or a fourth-line checker.
Injuries are also an ongoing worry with Danielson. It was a preseason injury that prevented him from making the Red Wings out of training camp. And he missed most of the second half of the season and all of the AHL Calder Cup playoffs with an undisclosed injury that was believed to be a hip ailment.
Continued; this is quite good.
