Red Wings Prospect Check-In: Danielson Lights the WHL Playoffs on Fire

Also, the Griffins have been spearheaded by a handful of prospects in the playoffs

While the Red Wings have found their season end, they have continued to see a handful of prospects continue their strong play, whether it be in the junior ranks or in the American Hockey League.

Danielson Carries Portland to WHL Finals

One of two first-round picks that the Red Wings made in the 2023 Draft, Nate Danielson found himself being shipped to Portland towards the Western Hockey League trade deadline. The move ended up doing wonders for Danielson and he finished the 2023-24 regular season quite strongly. But his strong play did not end there, as he also found himself carrying the load and helping lead the way for Portland all the way to the WHL Finals, where they eventually fell short of winning the championship.

Nate Danielson, Detroit Red Wings (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Danielson was able to constantly showcase why Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings took him at #9 in last year’s draft, with a strong two-way game that helped lead him to getting himself and his teammates in a great position in the offensive zone. Not only did he show off his strong defensive game, but he led the Winterhawks in scoring throughout the playoffs as well. In the 18 games that he played in the playoffs, he tallied 24 points on 7 goals and 17 assists. The playmaking ability was clearly on display, but the shot that Danielson was able to showcase throughout the playoffs also is a welcome sign for Red Wing fans as well.