New York Islanders prospect Danny Nelson shined in Team USA’s second game of the Preliminary Round at the 2025 World Junior Championship (WJC), netting two goals in a victory over Team Latvia. His standout performance earned him Player of the Game honors, earning some well-deserved recognition for one of the Islanders’ top young talents.
The Islanders selected Nelson in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft, and many fans overlooked the pick given the organization’s lack of recent success in developing its prospects. Following a standout 2023-24 season at the University of Notre Dame, Nelson began earning recognition among Islanders faithful. His impressive start to the 2024-25 season, coupled with dominant performances in the opening two games of the 2025 WJC for Team USA, has solidified his status as an elite prospect on the national stage.
How Did Nelson Get Here?
Drafted with the 49th pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Nelson tallied just 64 points (29 goals and 35 assists) over 85 games for the United States Development Program during his draft-eligible season. While Nelson’s numbers were solid, he ranked seventh on the team in scoring, notably behind 2024 Islanders draft pick Cole Eiserman and Long Island native James Hagens, a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Related: Islanders’ Danny Nelson Talks 2023 Draft, Position Changes & More
After being drafted, Nelson made significant strides in his development under the guidance of Notre Dame head coach Jeff Jackson. The Maple Grove, Minnesota native showcased increased confidence around the net, consistently leveraging his 6-foot-3, 212-pound frame to win net-front battles and gain puck possession. He also excelled in the faceoff circle, leading all college freshmen in the faceoff circle in wins. His nine goals and 23 points in 30 games demonstrated his ability to succeed at the collegiate level, while the eye test suggested he had the potential to elevate his game even further.
After the 2023-24 season, Nelson knew he could contribute even more to his team and dedicated the 2024 offseason to addressing his weaknesses. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, he discussed his offseason focus areas with The Hockey Writers, outlining the steps he took to elevate his game.
“I’d say [my season objectives] are just playing the best I can. One of my big goals is to play as consistently as possible… I…
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