F Danny Nelson - University of Notre Dame, NCAA (2023, 49th, NYI)

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Big power forward that skates very well, and shows some skill. He's more of a complimentary type of player. He drives to the net and stays there. Battles well in the corners. He reminds me a lot of Chris Kreider in the way he uses the boards as leverage when he's trying to beat a man to the outside, but also plays a similar style of game to someone like Kreider as a speedy power forward with some offense. I'm listing him as a forward for now because he takes some face-offs, and I think there's a chance he could play center, although it's more likely a team uses him as a winger. I think he will probably be an early/mid round pick based on his size/speed/skill, but an exact range is hard to peg at this point.

Danny Nelson at eliteprospects.com

Click to read more...

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Did he switch to defense?

 

[keppel146]

Delete

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

He's playing up front, so they must've labeled it wrong.

 

[ndmd99]

Did he switch to defense?

Looks like he prefers F, but also used on D in past.

“I told him he’s going to be a swing guy,” Bergland said. “He’s going to play D, he’s going to play forward, he’s going to play wherever we need him.”

The Crimson Rover (legacy.hockey)

 

[BKarchitect]

I'm bumping this - Nelson is a freaking hoss. While not technically on the USNT Juniors, he has basically taken over as a staple of the first line with the 2005 group with some of the guys moved up to the 18's. I think he may have has much upside as anybody outside of possibly Smith from the 2005's.

One to watch for sure, could end up being a high pick in the 2023 draft along with Stramel and Will Smith (the one we like).

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I'm bumping this - Nelson is a freaking hoss. While not technically on the USNT Juniors, he has basically taken over as a staple of the first line with the 2005 group with some of the guys moved up to the 18's. I think he may have has much upside as anybody outside of possibly Smith from the 2005's.

One to watch for sure, could end up being a high pick in the 2023 draft along with Stramel and Will Smith (the one we like).

I noticed that and found that funny. Did he reject the NTDP spot or they made an error and now he’s one of their best players by mistake?

 

[BKarchitect]

I noticed that and found that funny. Did he reject the NTDP spot or they made an error and now he’s one of their best players by mistake?

Lol I dunno but I would sure try to get him a full time spot next season / try to convince him to forgo another year at high school. I think Maple Grove could in theory have a powerhouse team (again) next year if everybody returns (Gunderson, Brink, Nelson).

 

[Lavar Ball]

This kid really intrigues me. Excited to follow his development

 

[Bonin21]

I'd say not the best choice if he wants a title but brother factor is huge. Maybe Gophers can flip both as they will need bodies on D next year.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

On the NTDP roster for the new season. Now listed at 6’3 203.

My prediction is that he’ll be the highest drafted player from this 2005 NTDP group. Center, great size, can play with grit, can skate, score, and he’s an August birthday. He’ll move up draft boards a lot this season.

 

[MichaelFarrell]

Danny Nelson is a solid power forward center man with an excellent shot. What’s stands out immediately with Nelson is his size. He is tall and has a good frame. His skating is good enough and his size should allow him to stay at the center position at the pro level. His shot is very powerful and he can generate a lot of velocity with little effort. He is a shoot first type of player. USNTDP would be wise to make him the net front presence on the 1st powerplay as they are missing a player with size.

Despite having some skill, I don’t think that will be his game at the pro level. He needs to simplify his game to be more effective with the skill set he possesses and he needs to get a bit smarter with the puck. He’s willing to take as many shots as possible rather than maybe look for the open man. While his shot is good, it’s not always the smartest play. My biggest issue with his game is lack of real mean streak and motor. I often found him gliding a bit out there. I’d like to see more compete and more physicality out of him.

I think he will most likely be drafted late first/early 2nd round depending on how he progresses. The tools are there. I just question the offensive upside at the higher levels.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I’ve come to the conclusion that the comparison for him is Brock Nelson. Also has the same last name from the same state.

 

[MichaelFarrell]

I’ve come to the conclusion that the comparison for him is Brock Nelson. Also has the same last name from the same state.

I was thinking the same thing while watching him this weekend. I kept accidentally calling him Brock Nelson. That’s a pretty good comparison.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Starting to heat up. Had 4G, 1A in two games this weekend against NCAA competition. Now 5+5=10 points in 11 games. 5th on the team in scoring behind the first line and Moore. Also is leading the team in shots per game right now, which is always good for a player.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Now goals in four straight with five in that span.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

1+1 in a big win.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

He’s not the highest skill, but I look at where Nathan Gaucher went, and I don’t see him slipping out of the top 25.

He has enough skill/sense to play on a third line, maybe 2nd, he’s huge, plays center, he skates well enough, goes to the net, plays with physicality and is astute defensively. He’s also very young for the draft. He’ll go much higher than people think. He’s a better draft prospect than Moore and Leonard, although no one wants to hear that.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

 

[GunnarStahl]

Bumping this thread, he had a pretty good WJC, where does his draft value sit now that his season is done?

 

[Antonche]

Bumping this thread, he had a pretty good WJC, where does his draft value sit now that his season is done?

35-50

 

[Realgud]

Bumping this thread, he had a pretty good WJC, where does his draft value sit now that his season is done?

Late first, early second but wouldn't be surprised me if a GM picks him in the top 20 for his profile.

 

[ShotDownInFlames]

Im betting he's a first rounder.​

 

[Castle8130]

For how much love the USNTDP gets, I'd bet he makes it in the 1st