Danielson had a solid rookie campaign in the AHL as a 20-year-old. Suiting up with the Grand Rapids Griffins for the first time, he scored 12 goals and added 27 assists over 71 games. Worth noting about his performance was that the rookie put up 13 of those 39 points on special teams (nine power play and four shorthanded points), while also seeing 18 primary assists to eight secondary assists. It is, of course, only one season, so a small sample size should be considered, but when weighed against the fact that he was a young rookie playing his first professional season, that kind of driving is very exciting to see. Couple that with the fact he went out on a heater with seven points in nine games in April, one might be wise to pick Nate Danielson up to see if he continues this production, if the current manager in your league is sleeping on him.

Danielson has provided a notable scoring touch in the WHL since he was a double underager, but his progression on the scoresheet has been marginal since. Although a mid-season trade to a strong Portland team boosted his production, he has still not exactly scored lights out at the junior level. The former ninth-overall pick already has NHL-ready passing and backchecking skills and is well-known for his leadership skills and intangibles. He packs a punch in all three zones and is a capable puck carrier in transition. His offensive ceiling at the NHL remains an open question, but his approach suits the pro game, and his skill set should translate smoothly. He will be making noise in the Wings’ middle six before too much longer.

The Red Wings signed first round pick Danielson to a three year entry level deal. The 9th overall pick in the 2023 draft led his team in scoring with 33 goals and 45 assists in his third season playing for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL. He also served as the team’s captain. “I think just that I’m a well-rounded player,” Danielson admitted. “I play well in all areas of the rink. Offensively very skilled, defensively I’m responsible. I think just that all-around game was a big part of it.”

The smooth skating center plays a complete 200 foot game and his compete level is top notch. He is not flashy but consistent, and is a great transition player due to his long stride and reach. Danielson most likely play one more season for the Wheat Kings before heading to Grand Rapids in the AHL. He has moderate offensive upside and it would not shock me if he becomes a second to third line center with the team in three to four years. Danielson is most certainly worth a roster spot in most dynasty leagues.

The Red Wings were looking for scoring at 9th overall, so I was a little confused when they selected Danielson, especially when you consider the other names that were still on the board. But then again, it’s Steve Yzerman, so we shouldn’t be too surprised. Last season the Alberta native led his team in scoring with 33 goals and 45 assists in his third season playing for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL. He also served as the team’s captain. “I think just that I’m a well-rounded player,” Danielson admitted. “I play well in all areas of the rink. Offensively very skilled, defensively I’m responsible. I think just that all-around game was a big part of it.” The smooth skating center plays a complete 200-foot game and his compete level is top-notch. He’s not flashy but consistent. He’s a great transition player due to his long stride combined with a long stick. He’ll most likely play one more season for the Wheat Kings before heading to Grand Rapids in the AHL. He has high offensive upside and it would not shock me if he becomes a second- to third-line center with the team in three-to-four years. He is most certainly worth a roster spot in most dynasty leagues.