Three years ago, he was the flavor of the moment in Detroit Red Wings training camp. Center Nate Danielson was the top draft pick of the team in the 2023 NHL entry draft, and as such, all eyes were on him.

Three years later, he’s still part of the equation and certainly part of the club’s future. But maybe, just maybe, the buzz surrounding Danielson is more low-key as he arrives in Traverse City.

Danielson puts us up 4-2! pic.twitter.com/eLP40FlWa6

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 15, 2025

This time around, as the team gathers for training camp, the focus is on getting a first look at 2025 first-round pick Carter Bear. The buzz is about whether defense prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka or winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygard can do enough in camp to warrant a place with the big club.

It doesn’t mean that Danielson is any less of a prospect than he was a year ago at this time. It’s simply that he’s no longer the focal point of the fanbase.

And he’s fine with that. In fact, with two camps under his belt. Danielson is learning how to roll with the punches and tune out the noise.

Red Wings Danielson Taking Different Approach

“Yeah, I feel a lot more comfortable around everyone this year,” Danielson said. “Compared to last year, I have a bit different mentality. Kind of going in with whatever happens, happens. And I’m happy with that.

“Just go out there and compete and show what I can do. And obviously, the goal is to make Detroit. If not, then go play in Grand Rapids and just hustle my butt off and try to respond up there.”

The same things the Red Wings liked about Danielson to make him the ninth overall selection in 2023 remain true. He’s still a 200-foot player whose game is mature beyond his age.

Training Camp starts TOMORROW‼️

Details » https://t.co/c9WwDuAcaf pic.twitter.com/6Ha3XRfO2Y

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 17, 2025

“It is unusual,” Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson admitted of Danielson’s defensive acumen and high hockey IQ. “You don’t see many junior players come out with that defensive mindset that he has and the reads that he has.

“I think a lot of these guys that come out of junior, they’re high end, their top scorers, as he was, and maybe they lack a little bit of that defensive structure. But obviously, he’s had good coaching along the way. He’s a smart kid.

“He makes the right reads, and he’s there for support, and he understands the game extremely well. Nate always wants to learn about the game. He loves to watch hockey, loves to watch his shifts. So, that’s just him growing.”

He may no longer be the flavor of the day, but when it comes to top Red Wings prospects, Danielson is definitely still in play.