THW NHL Prospects & Draft Substack - Sept. 29, 2023
Welcome to the THW NHL Prospects & Draft Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our great team of writers.
In today’s edition, we have a look at what a healthy Nick Robertson is capable of, a few Sharks prospects who are tearing up the preseason, and an early look at the impact Nate Danielson could have on the Red Wings.
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Maple Leafs’ Robertson Looking to Put Injury Woes Behind Him
September 29, 2023 by Peter Baracchini
When you’re a promising young prospect that has played well at every level, you think that everything might be well on the path to the NHL. However, that path isn’t easy as there could be a number of factors that get in the way, especially injuries. Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson has all the promise and potential, just a lot of bad luck when it comes to his health.
He dealt with a knee injury during the shortened COVID-19 season, a fractured fibula in 2021-22 and last season– when things seemed to be going his way– he suffered a shoulder injury that forced him to miss 6 months. Needless to say, it’s not that Robertson doesn’t have the skill to be an everyday NHLer, but he has had the worst luck to stay healthy.
Red Wings Prospect Rankings: #2 Nate Danielson
September 28, 2023 by Logan Horn
Nate Danielson was a bit of a controversial figure amongst Detroit Red Wings fans in the lead-up to the 2023 Draft. However, following a strong showing at the Traverse City Prospect Tournament and some exciting play early in the preseason, it looks like more and more fans are warming up to him. Taken by Detroit with the ninth overall pick, Danielson is a two-way center with size, skill, and a great shot.
By using back to back early first rounders on center prospects in Marco Kasper and Danielson, the Red Wings have done their best to answer any questions about their future center depth while also adding players who fit the style they want to play going forward. Danielson is a hard working player on both ends of the ice and will make Detroit harder to play against once he establishes himself in the NHL.
Sharks’ Rookies Steal the Show in First Week of Preseason
September 28, 2023 by Andrew Stille
The San Jose Sharks have officially begun their 2023-24 season with the start of preseason. As of right now, the Sharks have completed two preseason games, one against the Vegas Golden Knights and one against the Anaheim Ducks. Despite only two games being under their belt so far, there have been some rather telling signs, especially from the Sharks’ younger players, which has given some hope to a rather mundane-looking season.
The Sharks had many young players that fans were excited to see take the ice this season, and they’ve gotten a pretty decent look at their skill level so far. However, while the rookies have been performing well, the rest of the team has needed a bit of a jolt to get going. If the assistance that the Sharks need can come from the rookies, though, the team may be in for a bit less disappointment than what many have expected.
Minnesota Wild Prospect Report: Walker, Wallstedt, Hunt, & More
September 25, 2023 by Tyson McKay
The Minnesota Wild are getting back into the swing of things after beating the Colorado Avalanche in their first preseason game. As games get underway, we’ll see an increase in prospects to watch, which is always a good thing.
Sammy Walker and Jesper Wallstedt really stood out during this preseason action (no surprise), but the other news is a bit more sobering with some injury updates and Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) disappointments.
Detroit Red Wings - Red Wings Prospect Rankings: #1 Simon Edvinsson
Toronto Maple Leafs - Easton Cowan: How Good Can This Kid Be?
Draft Coverage - 2024 NHL Draft: Baracchini’s Preseason Top 32