Detroit Red Wings ink 2023 9th overall pick to entry-level contract

The Detroit Red Wings announced on Wednesday that they've agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with 2023 ninth overall pick Nate Danielson.

Danielson, 18, had a strong draft year in the Western Hockey League with the Brandon Wheat Kings, which rocketed him into the top-ten in late-June. In 68 games, Danielson recorded 78 points (33 goals, 45 assists), 38 penalty minutes and was a minus-12. He led the Wheat Kings in goals, assists, points, powerplay goals, powerplay points and shorthanded goals.

The Edmonton, Alberta native will get a long look at training camp with the Red Wings in September before he heads back to Brandon for the 2023-24 season. A strong start to the new season with the Wheat Kings could potentially earn Danielson a spot at Canada's World Junior Selection Camp which is usually held in early-December.

While their prospect pool is still loaded with talent, the Detroit Red Wings are getting closer to competing for a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division and could use some of those pieces later this season towards the trade deadline to acquire help right now to push to a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

UPDATE: The #RedWings today signed forward Nate Danielson to a three-year entry-level contract.

📰 » https://t.co/0l75OJdKXJ pic.twitter.com/hnT2m7b2WU— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 12, 2023