Red Wings prospect pushing his way into NHL lineup

The Detroit Red Wings already have a lineup chock full of prospects who have graduated to the NHL. Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond are just two such examples. Marco Kasper and Axel Sandin-Pellikka are part of the next wave that’s ripped through the AHL and into prime time.

Emmitt Finnie seemingly came out of nowhere this season and has made a tremendous impact. But there’s one other prospect that could be ready to make the jump. That’s Nate Danielson.

Red Wings fans got a glimpse of Danielson in training camp this fall. He didn’t look out of place, but there just wasn’t room for him in the lineup. But if that remains the case, Danielson could force the Red Wings’ hand and force his way into the lineup.

The former first-round pick from the 2023 NHL Draft has been off to a solid start. He’s notched three points (1G, 2A) in three games this season. He missed some time due to an undisclosed injury late in camp. But the injury hasn’t had any lingering impact.

See for yourself:

Danielson was key in the Griffins’ 4-3 win over the Iowa Wild. The Red Wings’ AHL affiliate is now 6-0, with Danielson playing a key role in two of those wins.

If Danielson continues to tear up the AHL, there may be no reason to hold him back. He could push himself into the Red Wings’ lineup, and that’s a good thing.

Red Wings could try Danielson in middle-six role

 As it stands, the Red Wings look set with their top two centers. Dylan Larkin is the top-line pivot, with Marco Kasper looking steady in the 2C role despite some early concerns.

So, if Danielson were to crack the Red Wings’ lineup, it could be in the 3C role. Currently, J.T. Compher has held that role. He hasn’t looked bad and could remain there. But what if coach Todd McLellan moved Compher to the wing to accommodate Danielson in the center role?

That move would give the 21-year-old two highly experienced wingers to flank him as he gets acclimated to the NHL.

Alternatively, the Red Wings could bump Compher down to the 4C role. Michael Rasmussen hasn’t been overwhelmingly good in that spot. So, why not get a veteran presence in that role? Rasmussen could either move to the wing or ride the press box. The same goes for Jonatan Berggren. He could have played his way out of the lineup. Danielson's arrival could merely accelerate that move.

While the Red Wings could let Danielson continue his torrid pace in the AHL, the fact is that this conversation will pick up sooner or later. Fans might see Danielson get a call-up soon enough. He could be an injury away from hitting the NHL ice.