The Detroit Red Wings and their ninth overall pick from the 2023 NHL draft, Nate Danielson, signs his Entry-Level Contract (ELC). This was a pick that General Manager Steve Yzerman and his staff were glad to make. The deal itself is a $950K cap hit for three years, plus annual bonuses of potentially an additional $1M. Needless to say, both sides are happy with the result.
Nate Danielson #LGRW
3 year ELC $950k cap hitBreakdown all 3 seasons:
$855k base + $95k SB + $1M schedule A bonuseshttps://t.co/eTpAGa5uNG— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) July 13, 2023
Centre Nate Danielson Signs ELC Contract With the Detroit Red Wings
The Red Deer, Alberta native brings the type of intangibles you look for in a draft pick. Danielson was Captain of his junior team, at just 17 years old. Furthermore, he has decent size at 6’2”, and combined with offensive skills and strong skating, he provides the ingredients you want. In junior, he played for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL for parts of three seasons. This past year, he accumulated 33 goals, and 45 assists, totalling 78 points in 68 games. He just seems like the complete package as a ninth-overall pick, who can help the Wings in a multitude of ways.
What Does This Mean for Danielson and the Wings
As Danielson signs his ELC contract, it does appear to be an ideal fit in Detroit. This is a team still on the road to a rebuild. When you can add a prospect with leadership skills like Danielson possesses it is positive. Additionally, the surprise of the first round, was when they selected Axel Sandin-Pellikka with the 17th pick. Yzerman was excited to add two players that check so many of the boxes. Both have offensive upside and are just complete hockey players and well-spoken off the ice. Moreover, they will be able to grow with what Detroit has in place already and the standard of professionalism. One that has followed the organization back to when Yzerman was a player with them.
Main Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel USA TODAY Sports
