Red Wings' First Round Pick Danielson Picks Up Two Points in Winterhawks Debut
2023 Detroit first round pick Nate Danielson scores and assists in his Portland Winterhawks debut
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports - Red Wings' First Round Pick Danielson Picks Up Two Points in Winterhawks DebutLast night, Nate Danielson—whom the Detroit Red Wings selected ninth overall at the 2023 NHL Draft—played his first game for his new team after being traded from the Brandon Wheat Kings to the Portland Winterhawks at the WHL's trade deadline.
It was a successful debut for Danielson and the Winterhawks. Danielson scored and picked up an assist, while Portland dispensed with the Kelowna Rockets by a final score of 5-4. Danielson also earned a +1 rating and won nine of the 17 face-offs he took.
The Winterhawks currently lead the WHL's Western Division by points percentage, though they trail the Prince George Cougars (who have played two more games) in raw points.
Danielson was traded on January 10th but did not feature in the first two games Portland played after the deal. Once he did make his way into the lineup though, the two-way centerman made an immediate impact. If his debut is any indicator, Danielson will prove an outstanding acquisition for the Winterhawks in their pursuit of a first Memorial Cup since 1998.
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