DetroitRedWings.com’s Josh Berenter penned an article discussing Michael Rasmussen’s maturation over the past season. Rasmussen may not turn out to be the #1 center he was drafted to become, but he’s likely to mature into both a strong two-way forward and a net-front specialist:
Rasmussen suited up in eight games for the Red Wings to start the 2020-21 campaign before being sent to Detroit’s AHL-affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins on Feb. 1. However, after tallying six points in his first seven games for the Griffins, he was recalled to the Red Wings on March 2 and finished the season in Detroit.
The center continued earning his spot on the ice each game, impressing the coaching staff with his poise and control as he compiled three goals and nine assists in 40 games for the Wings.
But perhaps the biggest accomplishment for Rasmussen was the trust he garnered from the coaching staff, earning a much bigger role last season, averaging almost three minutes more ice time per game than in 2019-20 and ranking second on the club with 72 hits and fourth with 134 face-off wins.
He continued gaining trust throughout the season, jumping from 12:50 of average ice time in his first 20 games of the season to 16:46 per game in the final 20 contests.
“I was pleased for sure. I think it was a big year for me,” Rasmussen said about his performance last season. “I started in GR, I had good people around me to support me, and once I got to Detroit, I just tried my best to contribute and play my game and play with confidence, play hard. So I think it was definitely positive for me and I think it’s just a good stepping stone.”
