Red Wings Giving Danielson Chance to Play With Griffins

The Detroit Red Wings reassigned 2023 first-round pick Nate Danielson (drafted ninth overall) from the Portland Winterhawks to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins for their playoff run.

The Griffins lead the Milwaukee Admirals 1-0 in their best-of-five Central Division Final. Game 2 is Monday in Milwaukee.

Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson told the Red Wings website Danielson is an option to play for Game 2. The Griffins say if Danielson plays, then he becomes the sixth player and fourth first-round pick to make his Griffins debut during the playoffs a year after being drafted, joining Jason Spezza (2nd overall by Ottawa in 2001), Cory Emmerton (41st in 2006), Jan Mursak (182nd in 2006), Dylan Larkin (15th in 2014), and Evgeny Svechnikov (19th in 2015).

This is an important move for the Red Wings who believe Danielson has a chance to make the Red Wings next season. He posted seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points in 18 playoff games for the Winterhawks. Last fall, Danielson was very impressive in training camp and the NHL preseason.

Head coach Dan Watson on @DetroitRedWings prospect Nate Danielson joining the @griffinshockey:

“He’s an option (for Game 2). Obviously, he finished the other night, traveled back and now he’s going to travel here. We’ll talk to him, see how he’s feeling…” (continued)

— Jonathan Mills (@JonathanDMillsy) May 18, 2024

What the Red Wings will be looking for early in Danielson’s career is whether he can be the No. 2 center they will need moving forward.

“He’s really shifty,” fellow Red Wings draft pick Emmitt Finnie said. Finnie played against Danielson this season while a member of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers. “He’s a great skater. I’d say that’s one of his best assets.”

Officially official! Nate Danielson is joining the Griffins – let's go. 💪 #LGRW https://t.co/z44BXue00b

— Winged Wheel Podcast (@WingedWheelPod) May 18, 2024