5 Detroit Red Wings prospects who could crack the 2024-25 lineup

Nate Danielson is someone that could make that big jump to the NHL

Forward Nate Danielson is the newest prospect and one that may be ready for NHL action sooner rather than later.

After nearly making the Detroit roster out of training camp last season, he was sent back down to the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League before he was traded to the Portland Winter Hawks, where he stole the show.

He would be a big addition to the Red Wings because they lack center depth and he could instantly provide offense. He may come into play if Andrew Copp and J.T. Compher are not brought back. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, he also brings size to a lineup that is not the biggest in the league.

A lot of these promotions depend on the free agency picture. If Perron, Kane, Jeff Petry, and Justin Holl all leave, that immediately opens spots for these young players.

The Red Wings may be pressed to take actions like this if there is no money left. Detroit has a projected cap space of $24.6 million for the 24-25 season.

However, forward Lucas Raymond and Defenseman Moritz Seider are due for contract extensions. They will likely take up more than half of the cap space. Those players listed above could come into Detroit and make an instant impact on a roster that could see several changes this off-season.