Red Wings Prospect Report: Danielson Keeps on Lending Helping Hand

The 19-year-old center drew primary assists on all three goals as the Portland Winterhawks were racing to a 3-0 lead over the Prince George Cougars by 9:40 of the opening period in Game 3 of the WHL Western Conference final series. Portland would go on to cruise to a 4-1 victory and a 2-1 series advantage.

Game 4 goes tonight in Portland.

In 11 playoff games this season, Danielson has dished out 13 assists. He’s compiled six helpers in the past two games. Overall, Danielson has six multi-point games during postsason play – three three-point games and three two-point games.

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman sees Danielson playing a significant role in the near future as the Red Wings upgrade their center position.

“Nate Danielson, Marco Kasper, we think they’re good, young prospects,” Yzerman said. “We’re really happy with how they’re coming. They’re not ready to play yet.

“I’m not ruling anything out for next year but I think in time we’re going to be really solid down the middle.”

Red Wings Pick Soderblom Fighting Illness

As they get ready for Game 2 of the Calder Cup playoffs on Wednesday, the Grand Rapids Griffins will again be doing without left-winger Elmer Soberblom.

The lanky 6-foot-8, 255-pound is fighting a losing battle against a persistent, debilitating illness that he can’t seem to shake. It’s a shame, really, because Soderblom was really finding his form during the second half of the AHL season.

Over his past 12 games, Soderblom netted five goals. He scored eight of his 13 goals on the season for the Griffins in his past 22 games.

Griffins Player Notes

Left-winger Cross Hanas will again be a healthy scratch for Game 2 as Grand Rapids takes a 1-0 series lead to the Van Andel Arena ice against the Rockford IceHogs.

A lot people have asked whether the Red Wings prospects signed to ATO contracts by the Griffins late in the season are eligible to play in the Calder Cup playoffs. That group would include goalie Carter Gylander , defensemen Andrew Gibson and Shai Buium and center Emmitt Finnie.

The short answer is no, with a caveat. Should the Griffins be hit with a rash of injuries and there be a player shortage at any of those positions, then these players could suit up for action.