MLive’s Ansar Khan profiles Red Wings prospect/player Michael Rasmussen today, discussing a forward who’s on the cusp of establishing himself as a “power center” in the NHL:
“Michael Rasmussen, for me, is the most improved player from a year ago,” [Red Wings coach Jeff] Blashill said near the end of the season. “He’s clearly a better skater, clearly playing with more confidence, a better defensive player. From a year ago to today he’s probably come the furthest in terms of development.”
Rasmussen, the ninth overall pick in 2017, will head into the 2021-22 season as the Red Wings’ third-line center. The team envisions him as a shut-down center who can provide some offense, particularly while using his 6-6, 230-pound frame in a net-front role on the power play.
The Red Wings signed Rasmussen, 22, to a three-year extension last month that averages $1.46 million per season.
Rasmussen appeared in 40 games with Detroit in 2021, picking up three goals and 12 points. He began the year with the Red Wings, spent February in Grand Rapids (two goals, six points in seven games) and returned to Detroit for good in March.
“It was a big year for me,” he said. “Starting in GR, I played well there and had good people around to support me and have a plan for me. Once I got to Detroit, I tried my best to contribute and play with confidence and play hard. It’s a good stepping-stone to kind of build off of and keep working hard, keep improving.”
