Nate Danielson scored his first NHL goal off a redirect shot from fellow rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka against the Seattle Kraken. The Canadian forward was drafted 9th overall by the Red Wings in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. Six picks later, Sandin-Pellikka was taken out of the SHL by the Red Wings. Very late in the draft, Steve Yzerman selected Emmitt Finnie 201st overall in the 7th round.
All three of those players are currently on the roster for the Red Wings, and all of them are making significant contributions at an early stage.
Cracking the Roster
Danielson nearly had his second goal just under three minutes after his first, if not for an offsides penalty on Finnie. Danielson, unlike his fellow 2023 Classmates, wasn't on the opening night roster, though that was more due to injury than lack of ability. He spent 4 games in the AHL to get conditioned, accumulating 5 points in those games. Now, after just a little under five games of NHL action, he has his first points under his belt.
Finnie and Sandin-Pellikka, on the other hand have been roster mainstays since camp. Sandin-Pellikka has certainly been put through the ringer. After setting a record for U20 goal scorers in the SHL last year, many expected him to still need a bit of time in the AHL, outside of last year's short Calder Cup run. However, Sandin-Pellikka made the main club out of camp and has 2 goals and 3 assists to his name so far. Finnie has played up and down the lineup but started out the season with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond on the top line, bringing a stubborn physicality to a line that has since traded in the sandpaper for skill with Alex Debrincat. As players get adjusted, especially young ones, it can be hard to get in a groove. Sandin-Pellikka has already moved to the first power play unit, and has been averaging more than 15 minutes a night.
Kraken Upended by Young Octopi
However, when the Red Wings needed to get the lead back against Seattle, it was the second power play unit that came up with the points needed. Danielson connected with Finnie once again, and this time it was Finnie who made the shot. Sandin-Pellikka fired the shot that Danielson redirected with his shin to get his first goal.
Finnie's production had dipped since getting off the top line, but the young forward's chemistry with fellow rookie Danielson was on full display as the Red Wings fought against the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night's game. But ultimately, it was a Detroit rookie who got the game winning goal for the Red Wings. Whether it was Finnie, Danielson, or Sandin-Pellikka doesn't really matter.
Lurking in the Depths...
The Red Wings have a lot to look forward to from those three, and they still have another '23 classmate who may make the show just yet. Trey Augustine, MSU's star goalie and potential usurper in the Red Wings goalie pipeline is still yet to see a minute of professional ice time and was taken in the second round. If not for a crowded goalie room in Grand Rapids, and the Spartans' early exit in the NCAA Frozen Four Tournament last year, Augustine may already be pushing for a roster spot.