DETROIT – Nate Danielson made quite an impression on Patrick Kane after only a handful of informal skates and the first day of training camp last week.

“Danielson’s really impressive,” Kane said. “Skated with him a little bit when I first came into Detroit (this summer). A lot of skill, kind of reminds me a little bit of (Connor) Bedard, the way he plays and the way he stickhandles and shoots. I know he’s a high-end prospect as well, but he looks like he’s got a bright future.”

Danielson, the Detroit Red Wings’ top pick in 2023 (ninth overall), practically blushed when told of Kane’s comparison to a generational talent.

“I don’t know about that,” Danielson said. “Connor is a pretty special player. It’s cool to hear a compliment from Patrick Kane. He’s obviously someone I look up to. Just having him here, he’s someone I try to pick his brain, see what he thinks, what he likes to do.

“He’s kind of like Sidney Crosby to me. He’s someone I grew up watching and idolizing. I think I’ve watched his shootouts thousands of times. It definitely gives you a bit of a confidence boost hearing him say something like that about you.”

Danielson turns 20 on Friday and turns full-time pro this season. He’s competing for a spot with the Red Wings but their roster is crowded with veterans. He might need some develop time in Grand Rapids, where he played two playoff games last spring after completing his junior career.

After a strong training camp and preseason a year ago, Danielson continues to impress the organization.

“He’s another guy who’s in really, really good shape; he takes really good care of himself,” general manager Steve Yzerman said just before training camp. “He trains hard. Very solid two-way centerman. Smart hockey player. He skates very well. He’s a good defensive player, but he’s got a very good shot and we expect him to produce offense.”

Danielson said his game a whole has grown in the past year.

“I think it gives me confidence going into the games knowing I can be a difference-maker,” Danielson said.

“I put some weight on and got stronger. That’s something that’ll help me this year, especially in the corners with some of these D-men. I think an extra couple of pounds makes a big difference, helps with winning battles and little things like that.”

Kane isn’t the only accomplished Red Wing who’s been impressed by Danielson.

“I think his hockey IQ is really high,” Alex DeBrincat said. “I think he knows where to be on the ice. He can really find open spots and he’s smart with the puck. It seems he’s in the right spots defensively and it leads to a lot of offensive chances. He plays a pro game already, so it’s fun to watch him.”

Coach Derek Lalonde is impressed by how far along Danielson seems to be.

“Hockey sense, feel for the game, puck support, game management,” Lalonde said. “Really nice player. I think still understanding some things in the game. He seems to have a little more puck-play issues in camp than he did last year. I think that’s part of the natural development. But obviously there’s a lot of upside. Seems to be a gamer. I’m excited about seeing him in games. Last year in camp he had an OK camp, and they really started to flourish when the games came around. It doesn’t surprise me, the way he thinks the game.”

The Red Wings, coming off a 4-2 victory Thursday at Chicago in their preseason opener, host the Blackhawks on Friday (7 p.m., no TV, livestreamed on detroitredwings.com).

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