The Detroit Red Wings have re-assigned Nate Danielson to the Grand Rapids Griffins with the turn of the Calendar year. The 6’2″ Canadian center joined the team at the beginning of November, tallying two goals and five assists through 28 games with the Red Wings.

Danielson started the year on IR after a strong preseason that had many wondering if he could make his NHL debut on the opening night roster. Unfortunately, an injury sidelined the 2023 9th overall pick for the first half of October. When Danielson did return, he spent five games with the Grand Rapids Griffins, accruing five points (one goal, four assists) in that time period. 

Called up on Nov. 9, Danielson rotated largely on Detroit’s third and fourth line, centering a trio of Marco Kasper, Elmer Soderblom, and himself during his time in the show. Danielson scored his first NHL goal on Nov. 16, off a redirected pass from fellow Red Wings 2023 first round pick Axel Sandin-Pellikka. In all, Danielson had seven points with Detroit’s main club over the last month and a half, not registering a point since the middle of Detroit’s six game road trip in December. 

While Danielson has shown a good eye for the puck and has seemingly been helpful in getting Kasper to turn the corner, the 195lb Danielson has looked to sometimes struggle with the size aspect of the NHL. Danielson has been shoved off the puck by larger, more experienced players at the NHL level, so a move to allow Danielson another year to develop in the AHL should help the rookie centerto grow and mature, both on ice and off. 

Through 71 games in the AHL last year he had 12 goals and 27 assists while playing largely on the top line.

The move to assign Danielson to Grand Rapids corresponds to Detroit recalling forward John Leonard. The Red Wings currently sit at a 22 man roster, one below the NHL limit, leaving room to add another player before the Olympic roster freeze.Â