Nate Danielson on Sunday became the fourth rookie to make his NHL debut this season with the Detroit Red Wings.

It shows their shift in philosophy from wanting prospects to “overripen” in Grand Rapids to thrusting them into the lineup in place of under-performing veterans.

It shows a heightened sense of urgency to explore different options in an effort to end their nine-year playoff drought.

Danielson, 21, is a skilled, two-way center with good hockey sense who was selected ninth overall in 2023. He logged 15:16, mostly centering the third line with Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton and also played on the second power-play unit in a 5-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.

“We have been struggling offensively,” coach Todd McLellan said. “Nate, had he not been hurt in training camp, I think h

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