F Nate Danielson - Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL (2023, 9th, DET)

[Indrid Cold]

Not really sure if this is a directly player comparison or a stylistic comparison... I mean, Yzerman was a franchise center regardless of whether he was offense only Yzerman or two-way Yzerman.

It'd be nice if Danielson shocked us all and became a 90 point elite defensive center, but that's probably not happening and is crazy to suggest right now.

If it's simply a style comparison, yes, Yzerman is pretty clearly building a team around big shutdown defensemen and two way forwards that are an absolute pain in the ass to play against. If this team is successful at all, it'll be a Vegas/St. Louis style championship team rather than a Chicago/Pittsburgh type.

I guess it was neither, lol.

I think my point was that Yzerman wants players that are more like him AFTER the Scotty conversion, than before it. He wasn't sweating losing in the draft lottery, knowing the type of players he really wanted would still be available.

 

[Indrid Cold]

Stevie trying to make Nate become as close as he can to Stevie Y junior. Potentially a franchise center if he actually shows him his secrets? Stevie built Tampa Bay he's going to build another dynasty very shortly here.

There is a tale of two Yzerman's. One before Scotty Bowman, and one after. Stevie definitely wants the type of player Scotty taught him to be.

 

[newfy]

Another assist against Chicago last night. 3 points in 3 games, led all the Detroit forwards in ice time.

Plays like this in the preseason sometimes get overhyped, especially when its young players doing it to 30 year old AHL players but doing that to Bedard and creating a really good scoring chance out of it is impressive by preseason standards.

If he gets his 9 games, that play might have been the one that makes Yzerman say ok lets see what he can do at this level. I still doubt he even stays for 9 games but its looking more and more likely, I definitely dont think he stays longer than 9 though

 

[MatthewFlames]

Plays like this in the preseason sometimes get overhyped, especially when its young players doing it to 30 year old AHL players but doing that to Bedard and creating a really good scoring chance out of it is impressive by preseason standards.

If he gets his 9 games, that play might have been the one that makes Yzerman say ok lets see what he can do at this level. I still doubt he even stays for 9 games but its looking more and more likely, I definitely dont think he stays longer than 9 though

For all the hype of Bedard in this preseason, so much of it is about plays that work in junior hockey but he'll never get away with in a regular season or playoff hockey game at the NHL level. This play shows maturity that already exists in Danielson's game too.

Different talent levels between the two, obviously, but one is already more NHL ready if we were determining only by maturity on the ice and pro-style game.

 

[GoBoltz56]

I was thoroughly unimpressed by Bedard. I am sure he will be a good player...but he has some learning to do, that's for sure.

 

[Petes2424]

Just an interesting note on Danielson.. whether there’s a connection or not, guess we’ll find out, but Brandon acquired overage C, Jayden Wiens last week. He’s been given Danielson’s first line spot these first few games.. It’s good, even if Danielson goes back, because it gives them another legit forward to contribute, but it does raise an eyebrow.

 

[FriendlyGhost92]

Just an interesting note on Danielson.. whether there’s a connection or not, guess we’ll find out, but Brandon acquired overage C, Jayden Wiens last week. He’s been given Danielson’s first line spot these first few games.. It’s good, even if Danielson goes back, because it gives them another legit forward to contribute, but it does raise an eyebrow.

Ehh, wasn't the assumption that he was probably gonna be traded from Brandon anyways?

 

[TLEH]

1. Thats a hook as his stick is literally in his midsection and he spins him around.
2. Preseason means almost nothing.

Based on the game in Detroit, Danielson should probably get some NHL games and then go back. Based on the game in Chicago. He should go back right away. Its so up and down and a night to night thing. Rosters are changing nightly. He looked good though.

 

[GettingYourMoms]

I was thoroughly unimpressed by Bedard. I am sure he will be a good player...but he has some learning to do, that's for sure.

 

[Petes2424]

Ehh, wasn't the assumption that he was probably gonna be traded from Brandon anyways?

That, or Brandon would load up for a run.

With the way McQueen has started to blow up, the Caps sending Hyland back, Petr joining and trading for Wiens, it still doesn’t mean they will go all-in this year if Danielson returns, but it makes it easier.

I still think it’s a flip of the coin, but things are looking a lot better in Brandon, to start the season.

 

[FriendlyGhost92]

1. Thats a hook as his stick is literally in his midsection and he spins him around.
2. Preseason means almost nothing.

Based on the game in Detroit, Danielson should probably get some NHL games and then go back. Based on the game in Chicago. He should go back right away. Its so up and down and a night to night thing. Rosters are changing nightly. He looked good though.

Would be a gamble on if Danielson goes to the playoffs, but I can see them bringing him after his WHL season is over to get his 9 games.

Playoffs start March 26th for them, though. So if they sent him back now and he makes the playoffs, probably wouldn't be in the NHL at all.

 

[rt]

That, or Brandon would load up for a run.

With the way McQueen has started to blow up, the Caps sending Hyland back, Petr joining and trading for Wiens, it still doesn’t mean they will go all-in this year if Danielson returns, but it makes it easier.

I still think it’s a flip of the coin, but things are looking a lot better in Brandon, to start the season.

They should trade for Geekie.

 

[TLEH]

Would be a gamble on if Danielson goes to the playoffs, but I can see them bringing him after his WHL season is over to get his 9 games.

Playoffs start March 26th for them, though. So if they sent him back now and he makes the playoffs, probably wouldn't be in the NHL at all.

FOR ME... I like the 9 games at the end of the year. If you give him 9 in the beginning and he really struggles, you just dont want that to roll over/carry into the WHL. If you do it after the WHL and he struggles, its a wash and then the season ends and its easier to forget about.

 

[newfy]

FOR ME... I like the 9 games at the end of the year. If you give him 9 in the beginning and he really struggles, you just dont want that to roll over/carry into the WHL. If you do it after the WHL and he struggles, its a wash and then the season ends and its easier to forget about.

If he goes back to the WHL, hes likely not going to end early enough to get 9 at the end of the year though. The way Brandon looks right now they could load up for a run, if they arent going to load up for a run theyre moving him for a haul.

Its early but Brandon has 5 players in the top 24 in scoring. Adding Danielson would be adding one of the best players in the league, and could be the best all around player in the league actually. If it isnt just a hot start for those guys, Brandon is loading up with Danielson being in his last year. No 9 games to end the year

 

[FriendlyGhost92]

FOR ME... I like the 9 games at the end of the year. If you give him 9 in the beginning and he really struggles, you just dont want that to roll over/carry into the WHL. If you do it after the WHL and he struggles, its a wash and then the season ends and its easier to forget about.

I just more don't like the mentality you instill with "Alright we gave you a try but you're just not good enough", and then kicking him back to the WHL.

I was actually just reading 32 Thoughts and Elliotte noted that a guy got cut after a really good game and there was some fan backlash, but a team rep basically said he wasn't going to make the team, so we let him go on a high note rather than cutting him when he had a bad game and leaving him feeling inadequate.

I suppose it could be good for him to get 9 games experience at the NHL level to see what he needs to improve on during the WHL season, but he's still getting something of an idea of that in the pre-season.

 

[TLEH]

If he goes back to the WHL, hes likely not going to end early enough to get 9 at the end of the year though. The way Brandon looks right now they could load up for a run, if they arent going to load up for a run theyre moving him for a haul.

Its early but Brandon has 5 players in the top 24 in scoring. Adding Danielson would be adding one of the best players in the league, and could be the best all around player in the league actually. If it isnt just a hot start for those guys, Brandon is loading up with Danielson being in his last year. No 9 games to end the year

Yeah. Which is fine. If Brandon plays in the WHL finals I like that too.

 

[raymond23]

Future Selke candidate

Stevie did it again

 

[weems]

First time watching him play tonight against the Leafs and he had a very good game.

Looked like a solid all around player.

 

[Fraser28]

Future Selke candidate

Stevie did it again

That seems like a stretch, but would be cool!

 

[Ricelund]

Scored a goal and led Wings forwards in TOI tonight by a solid margin (20:35).

Will he make the team?

 

[Our Lady Peace]

Pretty much a lock to make the team for up to 9 games I'd say.

Whether he sticks for the season is TBD. My money is on Stevie going the patience route and sending him back. Plenty of important reasons for the overall development of Danielson if they want a better player, faster (2024-25). He needs to grow offensively and I don't think he's going to be doing that on this team this year. Not to say he'll be stunted but Detroit lacks a legit C in the pipeline outside of Danielson and I'm sure they want to make it right.

Stevie Y wants to make the playoffs this year, but IMO this team will be squeaking in with a wild card spot if that and that's assuming the big guns are healthy all year. There is still growing pains for this team and I think it's best that Danielson gains major offensive reps in the WHL/WJC and potentially Mem Cup to come in ready for next year.

Patience has shown to be quite the virtue with Detroit's young high picks. Many players were signed to fill roster spots as stopgaps while the final developing years of their high picks are completing. Danielson in September 2024 after a year in the CHL and being potentially 1C for Canada at the WJC will be very much worth the wait.

 

[Petes2424]

First time watching him play tonight against the Leafs and he had a very good game.

Looked like a solid all around player.

Yea.. He had a really good game. Especially not having many regulars in the lineup with him, and Toronto having a lot.. He made a couple of really good plays defensively too.

I’m not sure people who haven’t watched him play, understand how impressive he’s been.

We’re seeing a complete player and that’s the reason I just don’t think you send him back. Not even after the 9 games, unless he collapses. If he was drafted 2nd overall by Anaheim, and played like this, nobody would expect him not to make the team. He’s been just as good as Carlsson. The two of them, have been the two most complete, 200’ players from the 2023 draft.

This isn’t just a kid showing flashes. It’s a kid who’s playing a solid 200’ game, making plays in all 3 zones. Thinking the game at a very high level too. Which is real important.

When you see a kid play that well defensively in the NHL already, there really isn’t much he’s going to get from going back to junior hockey. Not when he already has an NHL body and that core strength.

He reminds me so much of when Sean Couturier was first in camp with Philly, they kept him for the 9 games, and ended up never sending him back. That’s kind of who he is right now. You see the offense in him, so you know it’ll keep developing, but let him be your 3C most of the season. If he tires because of the schedule, sit him for a week.

After the last two games, I just don’t know how they don’t keep him. Same with Minton, who had another really good game for the Leafs tonight. He doesn’t hurt the team at all, and can play a role THIS year.

 

[dangomon]

Yea.. He had a really good game. Especially not having many regulars in the lineup with him, and Toronto having a lot.. He made a couple of really good plays defensively too.

I’m not sure people who haven’t watched him play, understand how impressive he’s been.

We’re seeing a complete player and that’s the reason I just don’t think you send him back. Not even after the 9 games, unless he collapses. If he was drafted 2nd overall by Anaheim, and played like this, nobody would expect him not to make the team. He’s been just as good as Carlsson. The two of them, have been the two most complete, 200’ players from the 2023 draft.

This isn’t just a kid showing flashes. It’s a kid who’s playing a solid 200’ game, making plays in all 3 zones. Thinking the game at a very high level too. Which is real important.

When you see a kid play that well defensively in the NHL already, there really isn’t much he’s going to get from going back to junior hockey. Not when he already has an NHL body and that core strength.

He reminds me so much of when Sean Couturier was first in camp with Philly, they kept him for the 9 games, and ended up never sending him back. That’s kind of who he is right now. You see the offense in him, so you know it’ll keep developing, but let him be your 3C most of the season. If he tires because of the schedule, sit him for a week.

After the last two games, I just don’t know how they don’t keep him. Same with Minton, who had another really good game for the Leafs tonight. He doesn’t hurt the team at all, and can play a role THIS year.

Really cool watching both Danielson and Minten last night and realizing the similarities in their situation as they push for big league jobs. Less than 3 months difference in age, same height (by EP), similar weight, young centremen who are responsible defensively. Both had great energy and gave us some really good moments.

I wasn't familiar with Nate at all coming into this game and came away very impressed. Bright future.

 

[FriendlyGhost92]

Scored a goal and led Wings forwards in TOI tonight by a solid margin (20:35).

Will he make the team?

It's not just the TOI, it's where he was getting the TOI. Dude was first out in every situation. PP. PK. 5 on 3 PK. OT. Against what's essentially Toronto's NHL roster.

His increase in use honestly reads like they're exposing him as much as possible to see where he finally falters and shows them he shouldn't be in the NHL yet. And he's honestly not giving them any reason to get rid of him.

I went in thinking, I'd rather have him in the AHL than the WHL, but we don't have a choice. Now I'm thinking, I can't blame them if they send him back to the WHL, but he honestly doesn't look out of place in the NHL.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I don’t get why anyone would say he was a bad pick or question Stevie Y because he and Kasper aren’t like the most high profile players they could’ve taken in that spot.

I think the expectations are way out of whack. To expect Yzerman will turn Detroit into what he turned Tampa into isn’t realistic, and then the most pertinent thing is that Detroit isn’t picking like 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Have they picked any higher than 6th during their rebuild? Am I wrong in saying the worst first rounder of the last six years they’ve picked was tied for their highest pick in that stretch and the one draft of the six he wasn’t running?

You could disagree with their strategy to not tank. I think it’s very difficult to build a Cup Contender without bottoming out. Detroit might be unable to make the playoffs with this group, but for the strategy they’ve taken I don’t think Stevie Y is doing a bad job at it or that Danielson or their first rounders before him were bad choices.