Nate Danielson made quite an impression on Patrick Kane after only a handful of informal skates and the first day of training camp last week. “Danielson’s really impressive,” Kane said. “Skated with him a little bit when I first came into Detroit (this summer).

Kane was nearly a point-per-game player after signing with the Wings in November, with 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists) in 50 games. He brought a sense of excitement and confidence to a roster that was possibly lacking some of those ingredients, and showed absolutely no aftereffects of the intricate hip surgery several months before signing.

Danielson is a natural center, and a right-handed one at that. J.T. Compher is the only other right-handed centerman that will be on the Red Wings’ roster this season; that gives Danielson a way in as he looks to prove his worth in the preseason.

It's likely Danielson will start the season in the AHL with the Griffins, but the Wings want to see how much Danielson has progressed this camp.

No. 9 overall draft pick Nate Danielson's high hockey IQ is one reason the Detroit Red Wings are so excited to see what he can do.