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WHL Portland Winterhawks

Winterhawks Acquire Nate Danielson in Trade with Brandon

January 10, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Portland, Ore. - The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club today announced the acquisition of Detroit Red Wings prospect forward Nate Danielson ('04) from the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for forward Nick Johnson ('05), defenseman Rhett Ravndahl ('05) and three WHL Prospects Draft picks.

"We are excited to have Nate join our team at this time of the year," said Winterhawks President, General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston. "As a staff, we have followed his progress from the bantam draft and were very impressed by his development with the Brandon Wheat Kings.

"As a top 10 pick in last year's NHL draft, and with his experience at the recent world junior tournament I am confident he will have a significant impact on our group in the stretch run."

Danielson, 19, has served as the Wheat Kings' captain since 2022. He was selected ninth overall by Detroit in the 2023 NHL Draft after a sterling 78 points (33G, 45A) during the 2022-23 campaign. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Red Wings that same summer after partaking in his Club's development camp.

Full trade details can be found below:

Portland receives:

F - Nate Danielson ('04)

Brandon receives:

F - Nick Johnson ('05)

D - Rhett Ravndahl ('05)

2025 1st-round pick

2027 1st-round pick

2026 5th-round pick

"As an organization, we want to thank Nick and Rhett for all that they have done for us both on and off the ice. They have a bright future ahead of them in this league," said Johnston.

The blockbuster deal made during today's WHL's trade deadline gives the Winterhawks a sixth NHL-drafted player on their roster. Danielson recently skated for Hockey Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championships and produced three points (1G, 2A) in five tournament games. He was named Canada's Player of the Game on December 26, 2023 following Canada's 5-2 opening night victory against Finland in group play.

The Red Deer, Alta. native is once again averaging a point-per-game pace in the WHL with 26 points in 26 games with Brandon this season. Now closing in on 200 career points, Danielson is looking to help the first-place Winterhawks as they gear up for playoffs. He was formerly selected by Brandon with the fifth overall selection in the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft.

Check out the Portland Winterhawks Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from January 10, 2024


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