Prospect Info: 9OA: Nate Danielson

[TheMoreYouKnow]

I agree the term elite is used too frequently these days, as is generational, but I will counter with ideal 3 line center is an obtainable goal. Larionov was such for our team during our cup runs. And Bobby Holik was an ideal 3c, but of a different type, until the rangers decided to pay him like a 1c.

It just doesn't really work that way. Larionov was a 3C as a 35-40 year old in Detroit behind two younger Hall of Fame centers, he wasn't a 3C when he was part of the famous KLM line in Moscow during his prime. That's kinda like saying Joe Sakic is an elite 3C because he may have played 3C on the Canadian Olympic team.

3C isn't some kind of separate position, it quite often really is just the 3rd best center on the team. In some cases that may morph into a sort of 'shutdown specialist' type role but that's not really intrinsic to the 3rd line center role. And if one wanted to say that about a prospect, one should say it like that - he may become an elite defensive forward. Otherwise you find yourself in a bit of a logic trap - because the best 3C in the game at any time would almost certainly be the 3C on the team with the best depth at center, which is entirely outside that player's control of course.

 

[SCD]

This kid's playmaking ability is better than anyone we currently ice.

 

[lilidk]

Can we call Draper elite 4th line center?

 

[Realgud]

No way, otherwise the word elite means nothing. What's next, elite 13th forward?

Justin Holl the elite locker room presence at 3.4M a year

 

[heyfolks]

Really? You've taken the overuse of the word "elite" to a whole new level.

Well, the post may be made in comparison to all current rostered centers not named Larkin. I'll add my hyperbole and say he is the 2nd best center in the Wings organization today. His talent is so superior to anyone not named Larkin, without a major UFA signing, he will be on the opening day roster.

Can we call Draper elite 4th line center?

What you do in the privacy of your own home is your business, unless it is illegal. This borders on that, from a spitting chicklets legal perspective.

 

[19 for president]

I do think Danielson is going to surprise people at the NHL level. I do not think a Larkin level center is out of reach, but I agree that his style is different. He is 100% more of a playmaker than Larkin.

It took Larks close to 5 seasons before I'd really argue he was an average to above average playmaker at the NHL level. He needed teammates good enough to warrant passing and he had to get out of his pure skating mindset. Young Larkin went north south and either scored or lost the puck after cycling the zone 3 times.

Danielson plays a more standard top 6 scoring center game. He is great at zone entry and distributing the puck. His d game is high end for a junior player and he already plays a very pro style game. My hope for him is 70/80 pts a season but with better D (IQ wise not effort wise) than Larkin but less goalscoring and probably a bit less motor/skating. He's who I think ends up with Ray long term.

Extreme outside shot but I could see Ray and Danielson anchoring the 2nd line next year if D has another really strong camp. Letting Larkin and DBC take the top line assignments. If we are going to let the kids play, I would not mind something like the below: (I don't see this happening FYI)

DBC-Lark-Buch (trade)
Compher-Danielson-Ray
Perron-Kasper-Berggren
Ras-Copp-Fischer

 

[norrisnick]

Not that it can't work... but that 2nd line is all righties.

Our all right-shot PP was a clusterf*** the few times we had it out.

 

[LongTimeDRWF]

WHL Playoffs Top Performer: April 29, 2024 - Western Hockey League

Red Wings prospect Nate Danielson is the WHL Top Performer for April 29, 2024

chl.ca

A little write up on Nate

Also, I would not be surprised if Ray gets a shot at center next year depending on how things shake out….

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

WHL Playoffs Top Performer: April 29, 2024 - Western Hockey League

Red Wings prospect Nate Danielson is the WHL Top Performer for April 29, 2024

chl.ca

A little write up on Nate

Also, I would not be surprised if Ray gets a shot at center next year depending on how things shake out….

But why? He’s always been a winger.

 

[Roomba With a Bauer]

But why? He’s always been a winger.

Wasn't there something this year about him being played at C in practice a few times?

 

[Voodoo Glow Skulls]

Helm with a beaver's tail and laser nipples.

Pew pew.

 

[LongTimeDRWF]

Wasn't there something this year about him being played at C in practice a few times?

Yeah, he was taking line rushes as a center according to Khan in late March practices, it brought back something to my memory that I read a few years ago...a scouting report on him, so I did ask if anyone attends practices and knew if he still was.

Scouting Report: Lucas Raymond - Smaht Scouting

The person everyone was hot to trot to land hell-or-high-water, on Vancouver also played wing in Sweden and converted to center in the NHL

The Leafs explored it with Nylander as well.

I mean why not, they want him to grow...I am sure he wants a bigger payday, all easier at the center position. (Great excuse for a bridge contract too)

It would make sense to me, to at least have him center ready in case D-Boss goes down, if he can center Line 1 rather than mess with 3 other lines and messing up the slotting of the other centers...

He's only 23, might make sense to give him a trial run next year, maybe the wings already have their 2(1B) Center, if he works on draws as hard as the weight room, who knows.

He's now listed at 5'11" and 188 pounds, not the biggest of centers, but certainly far from the smallest.

Not saying it will happen, just saying let's not be surprised if they give it a try to at least open up some slots for GR graduates.

Hopefully with a more normal schedule this coming season (No Euro trip) the wings will get more quality practice time and a chance to smooth out some wrinkles.

And since this thread is actually on Nate, a long time friend, former Jr. player (winger) and former coworker of mine has had Regina Pats season tickets for 30 years now, (I got most of my eyes on items on Nate from him), says he hated games where they had to play him, wished he played for the Pats, always said he is a very solid complete player and should do well in the big show.

 

[Rzombo4 prez]

Yeah, he was taking line rushes as a center according to Khan in late March practices, it brought back something to my memory that I read a few years ago...a scouting report on him, so I did ask if anyone attends practices and knew if he still was.

Scouting Report: Lucas Raymond - Smaht Scouting

The person everyone was hot to trot to land hell-or-high-water, on Vancouver also played wing in Sweden and converted to center in the NHL

The Leafs explored it with Nylander as well.

I mean why not, they want him to grow...I am sure he wants a bigger payday, all easier at the center position. (Great excuse for a bridge contract too)

It would make sense to me, to at least have him center ready in case D-Boss goes down, if he can center Line 1 rather than mess with 3 other lines and messing up the slotting of the other centers...

He's only 23, might make sense to give him a trial run next year, maybe the wings already have their 2(1B) Center, if he works on draws as hard as the weight room, who knows.

He's now listed at 5'11" and 188 pounds, not the biggest of centers, but certainly far from the smallest.

Not saying it will happen, just saying let's not be surprised if they give it a try to at least open up some slots for GR graduates.

Hopefully with a more normal schedule this coming season (No Euro trip) the wings will get more quality practice time and a chance to smooth out some wrinkles.

And since this thread is actually on Nate, a long time friend, former Jr. player (winger) and former coworker of mine has had Regina Pats season tickets for 30 years now, (I got most of my eyes on items on Nate from him), says he hated games where they had to play him, wished he played for the Pats, always said he is a very solid complete player and should do well in the big show.

No offense, but this is not very realistic. He is essentially taking up the position for the first time. He isn't big enough or strong enough to handle the defensive responsibilities of the position in my opinion. Playing center is about far more than taking draws. Raymond isn't the guy you compromise to make room for GR graduates.

 

[LongTimeDRWF]

No offense, but this is not very realistic. He is essentially taking up the position for the first time. He isn't big enough or strong enough to handle the defensive responsibilities of the position in my opinion. Playing center is about far more than taking draws. Raymond isn't the guy you compromise to make room for GR graduates.

No offense taken, it is just musings.

But he would be far from small for a center, Pettersson is listed a C/LW and is 6'2" and 176 pounds, even if he has put on some weight and he may have longer reach, but certainly a higher center of gravity.

The wings centers this year D-Boss 6'1" 196 lbs, JT 6' 190 pounds, Copp 6'1" 206 pounds, Joey V 6'1" 191 pounds and the hulking monster Austin Czarnik is an impressive 5'7" and 170 pounds. (Need a real sarcasm font)

It might help to be a hulk at center, but as the Professor demonstrated many years ago, even the smallest center on a team can handle the biggest (Lindros) one on the other team. (Not directly comparing Raymond to Larionov either, just saying size deltas can be overcome)

Not saying the wings will do it, but don't be surprised if they try to make Ray a LW/C/RW sometime over the season. He can drive play, the wings will be looking to see what more growth they can squeeze out of him as GR grads get added. I think one way or another, Ray will have his own line to drive for most of the season to balance out the attack, especially if Kane does not come back.

I didn't realize how many wingers from Sweden were converted to center, it is far more common to convert centers to wings (size or other issues), anyway, sorry to digress, back to Nate.

 

[lilidk]

No offense taken, it is just musings.

But he would be far from small for a center, Pettersson is listed a C/LW and is 6'2" and 176 pounds, even if he has put on some weight and he may have longer reach, but certainly a higher center of gravity.

The wings centers this year D-Boss 6'1" 196 lbs, JT 6' 190 pounds, Copp 6'1" 206 pounds, Joey V 6'1" 191 pounds and the hulking monster Austin Czarnik is an impressive 5'7" and 170 pounds. (Need a real sarcasm font)

It might help to be a hulk at center, but as the Professor demonstrated many years ago, even the smallest center on a team can handle the biggest (Lindros) one on the other team. (Not directly comparing Raymond to Larionov either, just saying size deltas can be overcome)

Not saying the wings will do it, but don't be surprised if they try to make Ray a LW/C/RW sometime over the season. He can drive play, the wings will be looking to see what more growth they can squeeze out of him as GR grads get added. I think one way or another, Ray will have his own line to drive for most of the season to balance out the attack, especially if Kane does not come back.

I didn't realize how many wingers from Sweden were converted to center, it is far more common to convert centers to wings (size or other issues), anyway, sorry to digress, back to Nate.

Ray could be running his line from wing position, Kucherov and Kane are.

 

[jaster]

We may need to try Raymond in net at this point.

 

[norrisnick]

We may need to try Raymond in net at this point.

Or... hear me out... we've got our 2nd pair RD solution already on hand. Then ASP can convert to wing to take Ray's spot.

 

[jkutswings]

We may need to try Raymond in net at this point.

Or behind the bench.

 

[Realgud]

Or behind the bench.

Raymond would make for an excellent equipment manager imo.

 

[Gibby]

I haven't watched all that much of him, but for a guy who gets so much hype for his two-way game he certainly presents (atleast in clips) as a guy with all the tools as well. For those who know him better, what are the weaknesses? Not to imply he's perfect, but he really does seem like one of the most well-rounded prospects we've had in a long while.

 

[Oddbob]

Or... hear me out... we've got our 2nd pair RD solution already on hand. Then ASP can convert to wing to take Ray's spot.

Larkin's leadership really needs questioning as he really should be filling in where we are weakest. In net, defence, wing, center, coach, asst. coach, or whatever. That he hasn't taken this step tells me he is only an ok leader.

 

[Gniwder]

We may need to try Raymond in net at this point.

Too short, Danielson will do better

 

[Astyanax]

It just doesn't really work that way. Larionov was a 3C as a 35-40 year old in Detroit behind two younger Hall of Fame centers, he wasn't a 3C when he was part of the famous KLM line in Moscow during his prime. That's kinda like saying Joe Sakic is an elite 3C because he may have played 3C on the Canadian Olympic team.

3C isn't some kind of separate position, it quite often really is just the 3rd best center on the team. In some cases that may morph into a sort of 'shutdown specialist' type role but that's not really intrinsic to the 3rd line center role. And if one wanted to say that about a prospect, one should say it like that - he may become an elite defensive forward. Otherwise you find yourself in a bit of a logic trap - because the best 3C in the game at any time would almost certainly be the 3C on the team with the best depth at center, which is entirely outside that player's control of course.

Ok, and yes!!! I agree with most of what you say. But dear God did you read what I wrote?
I said larionov during our cup run, not prime Igor, so don't compare it to an all star on an Olympic 3rd line. I really didn't think i was inviting a lecture on line management.? A 36 year old veteran, he was great in that spot, dare I say perfect.
And then I said the rangers ruined the market by paying a third line center, first line money. Because at the time 8 mil was crazy money for holik!!!

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

I haven't watched all that much of him, but for a guy who gets so much hype for his two-way game he certainly presents (atleast in clips) as a guy with all the tools as well. For those who know him better, what are the weaknesses? Not to imply he's perfect, but he really does seem like one of the most well-rounded prospects we've had in a long while.

His weakness is that he is too humble.

 

[lilidk]

His weakness is that he is too humble.

Spending Summer with Larkin will help