4 untouchable prospects the Red Wings cannot trade at the deadline
Nate Danielson will be a future depth scorer at the absolute least
The ninth-overall pick in this past season’s draft already has the size you look for in the NHL at 6 '2, 187 lbs. And the fact he’s been rather productive in the WHL since 2021-22 shows us that once he’s eligible for the AHL, he should make a relatively smooth transition.
His stats aren’t outrageous, but they have remained over a point-per-game pace. And since he wore a ‘C’ during his time with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings, it also shows that he possesses vocalness and leadership qualities. That speaks volumes for such a young player, and it also implies he will be a respected voice in any locker room.
Whether he increases his productivity to that of an effective top-six player or if he fares better on the middle-six or even a defensive line is irrelevant. Purpose is the best adjective to describe his game, whether he’s fighting for the puck along the boards or looking for a way to navigate through the neutral zone, so he will be a major contributor whether or not you see results on the stat sheet.
Not everyone figuring to earn a spot in an NHL lineup after a couple of seasons in the AHL - where he should end up next season - will put up a glamorous game, and Danielson may be that kind of player. But regardless of his role at the next level, look for the 19-year-old to become a sound contributor regardless of which zone he spends a lot of time in.
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(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference and Elite Prospects as of March 1st)