Nate Danielson's coming. That's something I can say with confidence. Elite Prospects seems to think it'll be this year in late August 2025, and they're not wrong. But I still have him pegged to start the season in Grand Rapids, where he'll dominate for a while.
Last season's 12-goal, 39-point outing in 71 games was a great way to kick off his AHL career, and a point-per-game outing, at least for as long as he's with the Griffins, isn't out of the question this season. So if you follow the Red Wings AHL club, you're gonna get visions of him in a Winged Wheel. Probably so much, that they'll manifest.
What makes him so good? He can create opportunities during sequences, and use his skating skills to break away from opponents. Even more amazing is that he keeps going undeterred if anyone's in his way, and that opens things up for linemates.
So, imagine him doing that at the NHL level once he's shown on multiple occasions that he can master it in the AHL. Some might say he's already there, but with at least a patchwork group to open things up in Detroit this season, nobody needs to rush Danielson into the lineup.
Nate Danielson may be the 'next man up' should injuries or inefficacy affect the Detroit Red Wings
Minus Carter Mazur, of all the prospects in the system, Danielson's the likeliest to get the call-up should the Wings need reinforcements early, assuming he enjoys a great camp and gets off to a hot start in Grand Rapids. From there, he'll just need to keep playing his game.
But the burning question at some point this season will be: Do the Red Wings keep Danielson in Detroit once he's up there? We know he's part of their long-term plans, and we know he'll be in for an early culture shock. At least once the novelty wears off.
And really, here's how I'd go about it: For one, does Danielson look like he can hold his own? if and when that's a yes, I'm keeping him up there. But for another, is Danielson giving us a hardened look at what the Wings lineup's supposed to look like? I think we all know the answer to that.
What I mean by that is, neither Andrew Copp nor J.T. Compher are the answers here. We know that. But imagine Dylan Larkin as the 1C, Marco Kasper as the 2C, and Danielson, at least for this year, sidling in as the 3C.
At that point, the Wings are looking really, really good down the middle. But, he doesn't need to play center. If there's a chance he can help the team at wing, don't think for a single second they won't hesitate. Especially early on.
The outlook for Nate Danielson in 2025-26 is a strong and encouraging one
Regardless of where Nate Danielson spends most of his time, or if he splits between the American League and the big club, he'll turn heads and fans will be raring to see him in the Winged Wheel for good.
Chance he'll play the entire season in Hockeytown? Hey, there's always a chance, especially if he proves he can outplay the likes of a few of those forwards slated to be with the big club. Realistically, he's starting off in Grand Rapids. But he may not be there long.