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

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Schulz is steady and will have a shot at the team.

I agree he'll have a chance to make the team.

I hope he's steady. If he's steady, I think he'll be on the team because he was the captain of this 2005 NTDP team. That gives him an instant leg-up.

 

[ndmd99]

1st half of the season, most of his pts were assists to L Slaggert. The past couple weekends, ND split up them onto different 5v5 and PP lines. He has shown the ability to drive his own scoring with 4-1-5 in 4 games.

Here's a post-WJC article. Disclaimer -- it's from the school paper. So click if you want quotes/background from Danny. But skip if you're looking for some high level, technical prospect evaluation.

Nelson describes 'surreal' World Juniors, freshman season at Notre Dame // The Observer

Freshman forward Danny Nelson, Notre Dame hockey's third World Juniors gold medalist, recaps his international experience and first season in South Bend.

ndsmcobserver.com

 

[Johnny Danger]

unfortunately, I've not seen Danny Nelson at the WJC. How did you like his game? And his development beside the WJC, so in Notre Dame ...

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I thought he had a weak world juniors. He’s been good for Notre Dame.

 

[seafoam]

It'll probably be some combination of Leonard, Perreault, Smith, Buium, Fortescue, Nelson, and Moore. Leonard and Moore wore "A"'s for the 2005 NTDP team. I think it's a safe bet they'll wear letters.

C: Leonard
A: Moore
A: Buium/Fortescue
A: Smith/Perreault/Nelson


Zach Schulz could also wear a letter if he makes it next year, but no offense Isles fans I'm hoping he doesn't make it.

There's no offense taken, he was a 6th round pick. If he amounts to even a 7/8D that draft pick is a success.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

8+14=22 points in 27 games. Having a very good freshman season.

I remember there was a question at the beginning of last season if he could be the best forward of his NTDP class.

It's looking right now like he's the fifth best, and it probably was looking that way a year ago, but I think the gap that there might've been when this season started has been closed.

I think it would be very unlikely if he became better than Smith, and Leonard, and Moore, and Perreault. He'd probably have to become a good 2C, and then it relies on the others not reaching their potential. Even then, probably would be debatable, at best.

Could I see him be the second or third best of those 5? Yeah, I think that's very doable. I think there's a very real chance he's a middle 6C.

 

[impaaaaaact]

8+14=22 points in 27 games. Having a very good freshman season.

I remember there was a question at the beginning of last season if he could be the best forward of his NTDP class.

It's looking right now like he's the fifth best, and it probably was looking that way a year ago, but I think the gap that there might've been when this season started has been closed.

I think it would be very unlikely if he became better than Smith, and Leonard, and Moore, and Perreault. He'd probably have to become a good 2C, and then it relies on the others not reaching their potential. Even then, probably would be debatable, at best.

Could I see him be the second or third best of those 5? Yeah, I think that's very doable. I think there's a very real chance he's a middle 6C.

Haven’t been able to watch the tourney this year. What’s your impression of his progression?

 

[saintunspecified]

His shift in the 3rd period in the semis where he hit the post changed the momentum. The czechs were pushing to that point. He's mobile enough that his size, strength, and IQ will make him a middle six pro.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Haven’t been able to watch the tourney this year. What’s your impression of his progression?

Pretty good. Looks about as you’d expect for a player who has progressed well. My slight worry has been that his numbers are down this year with Notre Dame. They aren’t down by much and I’ve wondered if it’s due to how bad Notre Dame is, but it’s a red flag when players year to year numbers go down and the team isn’t so bad that it’s absolutely inevitable that it’d occur.

But yeah overall, probably projecting towards a 3C with the chance for a middle sox center if all goes well, and if the trend doesn’t go well then he’s a 4C. From that post, he might end up better than Moore. Wouldn’t rule that out, which is a sign of Nelson’s progression and Moore’s lack of progression.

And wait until everyone sees Sammy Nelson! I’m more excited about him right now than Danny, but both look like future NHL’ers.

 

[Sticktape]

I see 3C all over this guy.

 

[SI90]

I see 3C all over this guy.

Agreed. Possibly 2C if he takes a big development step forward.But I think 3C is more likely. He’s a big strong 2way center that can play in all situations. Extremely valuable to have a guy with his versatility. I excited for him as an isles fan.

As far as the world juniors, he’s been excellent and has been for me the most consistent USA player. He’s doing it all and really stepped up this year.

Islanders Prospect Displays Leadership and Scoring at WJC

Forward Danny Nelson was essentially an afterthought among United States prospects selected in the 2023 NHL Draft, but the New York Islanders were confident in

www.si.com