Detroit Red Wings prospect Nate Danielson has had a tough start to this season.
After making the roster out of camp, the young center failed to produce more than a single assist in his first five games. He was scratched in the following bout against the New Jersey Devils, returning to the team against the Philadelphia Flyers, where he scored another assist.
It was the only other point he's produced in 13 NHL games this season.
From there, his ice time quickly dwindled until he saw himself on the outside of the roster looking in. Before he knew it, he was scratched for several games in a row. Eventually, the Red Wings decided to send him back to the AHL to play with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Danielson has faced no shortage of adversity in his young career, battling injuries and inconsistencies alike. This was supposed to be his shot to make the roster on a full-time basis. Instead, he's found himself back in the AHL again.
At 22 years old, it might be time for the Red Wings to have a conversation about his future.
Prospect development does take time
To be fair, some players take longer to develop than others. Take a look at Dylan James, who was taken in the draft before Danielson. James is absolutely dominating the AHL right now with 12 points in 14 games. James mans the top penalty kill in the AHL and, if things continue, his prospects in the Winged Wheel look better with each passing day.
Perhaps a little extra time marinating is what Danielson needs.
It's understandable for fans to feel impatient. After all, Danielson was the ninth overall pick in his draft. Players taken before and after him have not only made their rosters, but thrived. Had he not suffered long-term injuries, perhaps he would already be a consistent NHL regular.
On top of this, it wasn't like Danielson was given much of an impact role in the NHL. It's hard for him to make an impact when he's playing an average of 10:52 a night with line mates like Keegan Kolesar and Carter Mazur. It's not that those players are bad, either -- they're just not conducive to Danielson's play style.
Where the Red Wings and Danielson can go from here
At this point, the best thing for Danielson (and the Red Wings) might be a fresh start. On a new team, Danielson may be able to carve a niche out for himself, but in Detroit, he's relegated to fourth line duties. The Red Wings don't seem comfortable enough to give him those major minutes he needs, but perhaps another team will.
As far as a return goes, unfortunately, the prospects aren't going to be particularly optimistic. Perhaps the Red Wings can do something similar to the Seattle Kraken's trade of Shane Wright, where they trade Danielson for another struggling prospect on another team. This move, ultimately, would be one where the organization is trying to do right by the player over trying to "win" a deal.
In an ideal world, Danielson takes his reassignment in stride, dominates the AHL and then returns to the NHL, where he becomes a fixture on the Red Wings' bottom-six.
If that doesn't work out, the team should do what's best for the organization and the player.
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