The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan discusses the Red Wings’ first-day-of-training-camp lines this morning, and he mentions a player who has become critical to the Wings establishing a physical presence in one Michael Rasmussen:
[Coach Derek] Lalonde was also pleased seeing forward Michael Rasmussen on the ice Thursday. Rasmussen missed the final six weeks last season after taking a slap shot to his left knee.
Rasmussen was taken off injured reserve earlier in the week and was skating well in the opening practice.
“Before that injury, he was one of our top players,” Lalonde said. “I know people can point to the dip in our season to what we lost at the (trade) deadline, but what we lost in the deadline in addition to the timing of his injury really hurt us. I was really happy to see where he was at (Thursday).”
Lalonde likes the idea of reuniting Rasmussen (on a wing), Andrew Copp and David Perron, a tough line that had success last season.
“Ras was a completely different player on a wing,” said Lalonde, noting the Wings believe Rasmussen can be an effective center as well. “He drove some offense when he was on the wing. He seems a lot more productive and can drive lines a little bit. He’s a versatile player.”
Continued; I really like the idea of Rasmussen as a big winger, cruising up and down the ice looking to generate offensive opportunities and to establish a physical forecheck.
There have been many centers on the Wings who have gotten preoccupied with their defensive responsibilities at center, and have become better, more effective wingers as a result. Hopefully the positional change helps Rasmussen really blossom this year.
