Detroit Red Wings prospect making waves in Playoffs

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William Austin
May 15, 2024 (8:17 PM)

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Nate Danielson of the Portland Winterhawks is making waves in the 2024 Western Hockey League Playoffs.

Leading his team with 23 points in 17 postseason games, Danielson's excellent performance hasn't gone unnoticed. He even earned the title of WHL Player of the Week after a standout performance in the WHL playoffs.

"(The Winterhawks) have welcomed me with open arms," Danielson told @WHL on May 10. "I've gotten to know a lot of the guys really well, so they feel like my teammates now. I'm really happy to be part of this team."

Selected 9th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Danielson was traded to the Winterhawks earlier this year. His transition has been really easy since he's contributed for 41 points in the regular season.

Meanwhile, the Toledo Walleye, Detroit's ECHL affiliate, are on a historic winning streak. With 22 consecutive victories, they've broken records and are primed for success in the Western Conference Finals against the Kansas City Mavericks.

"In any playoff series, you're going to face adversity," forward prospect Riley Sawchuk told Walleye Storytelling and Media Specialist Jordan Strack on May 11. "It's just how the best team handles it, that's who is going to win. I think as a group we've really handled that. Our leadership has done an incredible job with leading us in the right direction, so I give kudos to them. Our coaches and everybody around us, again we're such a tight knit group. Just the chemistry that builds, it's leading us in the right direction."

Under coach Pat Mikesch's leadership, the Walleye have dominated, clinching the Central Division title with an impressive record. Game 1 of the upcoming series promises an exciting matchup at Toledo's Huntington Center.

Source : NOTEBOOK: Red Wings prospect Nate Danielson thriving in 2024 WHL Playoffs