During the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the Detroit Red Wings selected Michael Rasmussen with the 9th overall pick. This choice by then-general manager Ken Holland confused a lot of Red Wings fans. With promising players like Gabriel Vilardi and Martin Necas right within their grasp, the Red Wings opted for a tall, towering centre. Rasmussen’s career thus far has been a bit of an anomaly. After his draft year, he exploded in the WHL, putting up 59 points in just 47 games. A season later, he saw himself earning ice time with the Red Wings, scoring 18 points in 62 games. Since then, he spent a season and a half with the Grand Rapids Griffins before finally earning a full-time role in Detroit.
Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin‘s season was cut short with an injury. Without their top-line centre, Detroit has had to rely on Rasmussen to fill in the role. While Larkin’s shoes are very big to fill, Rasmussen appears to be doing an amicable job. It feels like the Surry, BC forward has grown more confident in every game he’s played. In 35 games with the Red Wings this season, he has just 10 points — but on a team with some of the worst offence in the NHL, it’s hard to measure Rasmussen’s success by point totals. His defensive metrics and highlights have showcased a wide range of talents that go far beyond the scoresheet.
How Michael Rasmussen Has Performed So Far
Rasmussen currently sits 18th in total points from 2017 NHL draftees. Despite his lower numbers, he still ranks higher than Gabriel Vilardi, Cody Glass, Owen Tippett, and Lias Andersson, among others. Rasmussen’s contributions to the offence have come in spite of his linemates, not due to them. It’s hard to imagine that Darren Helm and Luke Glendening are secretly providing Rasmussen with higher point totals. It’s not surprising that someone like, say, Kailer Yamamoto ranks higher on the list than Rasmussen — after all, he plays with the eponymous Connor McDavid. As Rasmussen grows and develops (and as the team rebuilds), stronger linemates will come. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him top the 40-point mark next season.
How Rasmussen Can Build on His Success
If this season has shown the Red Wings anything, it’s that Michael Rasmussen deserves a full-time spot on the roster. Whether that’s somewhere on the top-six or as the third line centre remains to be seen. Having said that, he’s made more than a case for himself in the NHL. Head coach Jeff Blashill has mentioned that Rasmussen’s size is one of his biggest strengths. It’s important for him to build on the successes of this season to bolster his efforts next year. He can serve as a towering presence on the Red Wings’ offence. Using his body in the neutral zone to overpower opponents could be his biggest strength moving forward. Additionally, he’s shown great success with rebounds, redirections, and power-play goals. Whether he plays a similar role to Red Wings alumni Tomas Holmstrom or carves out his own path, he’ll make for a great net-front presence in his own right.
Ultimately, Rasmussen’s success will land solely on his own effort. It’s up to him to keep developing to the best of his abilities. If this season is any indication of his future success, the Red Wings have landed a very strong and solid centre.
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