The Detroit Red Wings are about to get their first look at one of their top prospects. Nate Danielson, the ninth overall pick from the 2023 NHL Draft, has been called up from Grand Rapids and could make his NHL debut as soon as Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
It didn’t take long for the 21-year-old center to earn his shot. After starting the season on the injured list, Danielson lit up the AHL with five points in just four games.
This isn’t his first taste of pro hockey. He spent last season with the Griffins, putting up 12 goals and 39 points in 72 games, plus a goal in the playoffs.
Experts can’t quite agree on Danielson’s potential. While The Athletic’s Corey Pronman sees him as a future top-six center and the Wings’ best prospect, Elite Prospects ranks him seventh in Detroit’s system and projects him more as a middle-six player.
But here’s the interesting part: finding a permanent spot for Danielson in Detroit might be tricky.
The Red Wings are pretty stacked at center. Dylan Larkin, J.T. Compher, Andrew Copp, and Michael Rasmussen are all locked up through at least 2027, eating up nearly $23 million in cap space.
They’ve also got Marco Kasper, their top pick from 2022, waiting in the wings – pun intended.
Of course, someone could always move to the wing. It’s a good problem to have when you’ve got too many talented centers.
Danielson’s strong play in Grand Rapids suggests he’s ready for the next step. And now, after working his way up from the Wheat Kings to the Griffins, he’s about to get his first crack at the NHL.
For Red Wings fans wondering about their team’s future down the middle, Sunday’s game just got a lot more interesting.
