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Detroit Red Wings use practice to remember what matters

Detroit Red Wings Patrick Kane & Todd McLellan, Nov. 11, 2025 in Detroit.

Todd McLellan fielded a call from one of his son’s to clarify a comment the coach made about the Detroit Red Wings.

Following Nate Danielson’s call-up over the weekend, McLellan said the Wings could, “make some decisions, perhaps on some other players.” With Danielson on the roster, the Wings have 14 forwards.

“I’ve got to make sure I make that clear,’ McLellan said after practice at Little Caesars Arena, Tuesday, Nov. 11. “My son calls me and he says, ‘oh, you guys are trading some players.’

“No, we’re not. That doesn’t mean we won’t or ever will, but that’s not the reason why Danny’s here. Danny’s here because he played real well at training camp. We have some players that are struggling right now, and we thought he could inject a little life and some enthusiasm into the team and maybe provide us with some offense.”

McLellan had Danielson pegged to make the team out of camp before an injury interrupted that plan. Danielson, drafted by general manager Steve Yzerman at No. 9 in 2023, performed well in his debut Sunday, and centered the third line in practice Tuesday.

“I guess my comment was we could put him in and see how he works with other players if we can find some combinations and evaluate,” McLellan said. “It had nothing to do with Steve buying airline tickets and sending people all over the place. But if I led you on that way, I apologize.”

Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter.Â