Red Wings prospect Nate Danielson to make NHL debut Sunday against Blackhawks

One of the top prospects in Hockeytown is set to don the winged wheel for the first time.

The Detroit Red Wings called up forward Nate Danielson from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. With that, he is set to make his NHL debut on Sunday afternoon against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Danielson was seen taking line rushes during warm-ups with Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton.

Danielson started the season on the Wings’ non-roster, injured list after suffering an injury during the preseason. He made his season debut with the Griffins on Oct. 24, and has made an immediate impact. The 21-year-old has registered a point in three of his four appearances, totaling a goal and four assists for five points.

It’s fitting that Danielson would make his debut against the Blackhawks. Not long after he was taken first overall by the Original Six franchise in 2023, former Regina Pat Connor Bedard cited Danielson as one of the toughest players he went up against in his junior days.

Danielson was originally taken by the Red Wings in the first round, ninth overall, of the 2023 NHL Draft. After finishing up his successful junior career with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League, he joined the Griffins during the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs.

The Red Deer, Alb. native’s first full season of pro hockey was a learning experience. Danielson had to get used to the physicality and speed of the higher level of the game. However, spending most of the 2024-25 season alongside veteran Austin Watson allowed the former Brandon Wheat King the opportunity to hone his craft and gain a little bit of an edge to his game. In 71 games, he scored 12 goals and 27 assists for 39 points, also finding the back of the net in Grand Rapids’ playoff series against the Texas Stars.

Danielson could provide a little spark for a team that has dropped two games in a row, as the Red Wings have scored just five goals over the past four games.