Nate Danielson Sets Sights on Red Wings Roster Spot This Season

As the Detroit Red Wings shift their focus from the 2026 NHL Prospects Tournament to the upcoming Training Camp, one player stands out with aspirations of making the NHL roster: Nate Danielson. Selected ninth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Danielson participated in two of the tournament's three games and is eager to prove himself as a valuable asset for the Red Wings this season.

Last season, Danielson began his professional journey with the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins before earning a call-up to the Red Wings, where he played 28 NHL games, scoring two goals and five assists. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a stress fracture sustained in mid-February, which sidelined him for the remainder of the Griffins' campaign. Now, with a fresh start on the horizon, Danielson is determined to secure a spot on the Red Wings' roster out of Training Camp.

"For sure," Danielson affirmed when asked about his goal to make the team. "I want to come into Camp and definitely earn a spot. Ultimately, my goal is to be an impact player in the League this year and be someone who contributes. That's kind of my goal for the year."

Danielson's growth areas for the upcoming season

Reflecting on his NHL experience last season, Danielson expressed a positive outlook but acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in capitalizing on scoring opportunities. "I feel like there's a lot of different things you can work on. I think finishing is definitely something I kind of need to bear down on. I felt like last year, I lacked that at times," he noted.

Griffins head coach Dan Watson, who guided the team during the Prospects Tournament, shared insights into Danielson's playing style. While praising his strong defensive skills, Watson suggested that Danielson's focus on defense might sometimes hinder his offensive potential. "His vision, the way he thinks the game, he’s very responsible, maybe sometimes too responsible. That sometimes can hurt you, but I just think his willingness to go to the net, his willingness to create some more offense around the net; that’s what he was asked to do last year, and he started to do that with us before he got injured."

Danielson's statistics from last season with the Griffins reflect his potential, as he recorded three goals and 12 assists in 18 games. In his first full season with the Griffins, he tallied 12 goals and 27 assists over 71 games. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Danielson's commitment to improving his game and making a significant impact on the Red Wings is evident. With Training Camp on the horizon, all eyes will be on him as he strives to turn his aspirations into reality.