The 2023 draft class for the New York Islanders flew under the radar, as the team traded its first-round pick for Bo Horvat. Without a first-rounder, the Isles still added five skaters to their organization at the draft in 2023. Leading the group was center Danny Nelson.

The Islanders selected Nelson with their second-round pick (49th overall) from the U.S. National Development Team. He tallied 17 points in 23 games with a +10 rating in his draft year. Since being drafted, Nelson has spent a year and a half with the University of Notre Dame in the Big Ten Conference (NCAA).

Nelson’s freshman year showcased the potential the Islanders saw on draft day. He recorded 23 points in 30 games and a +5 rating as a rookie. He also earned a spot on the Tim Taylor Award Watchlist, a recognition for NCAA “Rookie of the Year” finalists. Additionally, he represented Team USA in its gold medal campaign at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, playing alongside top prospects Cutter Gauthier, Will Smith and Frank Nazar.

Midway through his sophomore season, Nelson has slightly elevated his performance. Through 18 games, he has 13 points, maintaining a pace similar to his freshman year. He enters the weekend with an eight-game point streak.

While his scoring hasn’t drastically improved, Nelson’s value extends beyond the stat sheet as a defensively reliable two-way center. His defensive instincts stem from years of alternating between defenseman and forward in youth hockey before transitioning to full-time center in college.

This defensive acumen was evident at the World Junior Championship, where he frequently took the ice in critical game moments. Team USA relied on Nelson as a go-to forward to secure leads and close out games.

Writers such as Michael Ostrower have noted concerns about Nelson’s skating. At 6-foot-three and 205 pounds, his size can hinder his speed, affecting his overall play. However, his defensive and positional awareness often compensates for this limitation. Improving his skating will be crucial for his NHL aspirations.

Nelson’s size also works to his advantage, particularly in defensive situations. He thrives in high-traffic areas, battling opposing defenders for loose pucks and often emerging victorious. His background as a defenseman enhances his effectiveness in these battles. This grit and determination make him a valuable asset for the Islanders moving forward.

That being said, Nelson remains far in the distance. He’s still only a sophomore for the Fighting Irish. He still has significant progress to make, but if he can bring his defensive acumen from South Bend to the NHL, Nelson could become a fixture in the everyday lineup on Long Island. We’re a long way away from that, though.

Featured image courtesy of Notre Dame Hockey on Facebook

Joey McAuliffe

Joey McAuliffe is a passionate Islander fan pursuing a Masters of Accounting in Buffalo, NY. His favorite player of all time is Jordan Eberle. He has followed the team closely since 2014, but he began regularly attending games during the 2006 season. Outside of hockey, Joey loves music and the Buffalo Bills.