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DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings aren’t holding a roster spot open for Nate Danielson this season.

However, they will provide the 19-year-old with every opportunity to win one in next month’s training camp.

In the 2024-25 season, the Red Wings need their young forwards to enhance their scoring depth. Danielson, whom Detroit picked as the No. 9 in the 2023 NHL Draft, demonstrated in the team’s July development camp that he is prepared to take the challenge.

“Dan Cleary, Red Wings’ assistant director of player development, praised Nate saying, “He had a spectacular season and ranked first in the conditioning tests here. Nate is a focused and ambitious young man who is gradually coming into his own. He works diligently and presents himself well – frankly, there isn’t much more to add.”

Danielson has just completed his fourth season in the Western Hockey League, earning 67 points (24 goals, 43 assists) over 54 games with Brandon and Portland. He also scored 24 points (seven goals, 17 assists) in 18 playoff games, aiding Portland in their journey to the WHL final. In addition, he contributed three points (one goal, two assists) in five games for Canada during the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.

His first experience of playing as a professional was most notably marked by the two American Hockey League playoff games he participated in with Grand Rapids.

“Participating in the developmental camp was a beneficial experience for me,” stated Danielson. “As I am planning to transition to the professional level next year, I now have a better understanding of the game’s speed. Everyone is more mature, bigger, and stronger, so being aware of what to anticipate is undoubtedly advantageous.”

Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman knows his team has to find more offense within the system, so players like Danielson and forwards Carter Mazur and Marco Kasper, who both played for Grand Rapids last season, will get a good look during training camp.

“Those individuals will need to truly make an effort, and that could happen if they have a successful summer and preseason,” said Yzerman. “We foresee that most of these young people will at least start in [Grand Rapids], but I don’t have a set rule.”

“If it appears they want to play while we’re at camp, we’ll make room for them.”

Last year, Danielson performed well in camp, and he stated that he sees no reason why he can’t replicate that success.

“He said, “Each year, you aim to become better. From last year to now, I’ve grown both personally and as a player due to all the new experiences I’ve encountered.”

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 185 pounds, he could gain from a complete season in the Red Wings’ strength program. Additionally, a complete season in the AHL would offer him experience that he wouldn’t be able to acquire in the WHL.

Danielson, however, stated that he has set his goals even higher.

“He expressed his self-belief and optimism, stating, “I believe in myself. I think I can make it.”