When the Detroit Red Wings drafted Nate Danielson in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, they were promised a solid two-way forward with potential to be a second-line center.
Three years later, fans are waiting for the prediction to come true.
There was a time early in Danielson's professional career where it looked like he'd crack the Red Wings roster. He played out of his mind during training camp and the preseason and, by all accounts, appeared close to NHL ready. Despite this, the Red Wings believed he needed more time to grow at the AHL level. Since then, Danielson has performed well enough, putting up 55 points in 89 games with the Griffins and seven points in 28 games with the Red Wings this season.
Danielson's season was cut short due to injury, but, in that time, he showed the Griffins that he's ready for NHL ice time.
At 21 years of age, the Red Wings will need a big season out of him to justify his first round status.
Danielson still has 2C potential
Despite what the numbers might lead you to believe, Danielson still has what it takes to be a productive second line center in the NHL. At least, that's what one of the top scouting magazines in the NHL believes. There's a strong chance that Danielson winds up being a late bloomer, as is occasionally the trend in the NHL. Martin St. Louis, for example, didn't get started in the NHL until he was 25, and he ended his career with over 1,000 points, two Art Ross Trophies, a Hart and a Stanely Cup.
Now, that's not to say that Danielson is going to be a 1,000 point player -- nor is it to say we'll need to wait until he's 25 for him to establish himself at the NHL level. What players like St. Louis show, though, is that there is no singular path to success in the NHL. What might take one player a year might take another several.
It doesn't matter how long it takes to get there: it matters what you do with the time you're given.
Danielson should be NHL regular next season
Based on the way Danielson's season ended, it's clear he's got what it takes at the NHL level. He's never been much of an offensive dynamo, but a near point-per-game pace in the AHL is more than enough proof that he deserves an extended look. If he isn't ready, the Red Wings can send him down again. If he does make the roster, however, the sky's the limit.
The Red Wings will likely look for 2C help from outside the organization. That said, there's a chance the team can earn a little extra help between the wings if Danielson pans out. Imagine what a one-two-three punch of Larkin, the new 2C and Danielson could do for the organiztion. If Danielson does wind up being a great two-way threat, he can even help out with the penalty kill.
That said, it's entirely on him to make the leap next season. The Red Wings will give him every opportunity he needs to find success.
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