Detroit Red Wings: Analyzing Michael Rasmussen
By Tyler Samson
Detroit Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen has been able to showcase a glimpse of his skills in the 2018-19 season, leaving fans hopeful for the future.
Since being drafted by the Detroit Red Wings ninth overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, forward Michael Rasmussen has made an immediate impact on the team. The 6’6” and 221 pound forward has provided some grit to the lineup by going to the net and creating chances.
At just 19 years old, Rasmussen’s NHL career is just getting started. In just 53 NHL games played, he has scored seven goals, tallied eight assists, and registered 25 penalty minutes. The product of Vancouver possesses the talent to be a great forward in the NHL with his offensive skill and toughness.
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Rasmussen’s playing style resembles that of a younger Brian Boyle of the Nashville Predators. Both forwards are 6’6” and over 200 pounds, not to mention they play a similar grinder style of game. Rasmussen and Boyle do not hesitate to get in front of the net to create scoring opportunities for their teams.
It is amazing to think he is only a teenager because of the way he plays. It’s like he is a matured veteran on the ice. In his first couple of games with the Red Wings, Rasmussen did not seem rattled by the NHL level. Rather, he seemed to be right at home. Seeing this quick level of adjustment from the WHL to the NHL is rare to come across.
The future looks bright for the Red Wings as they have a good young core that look like they will blend well together. With guys like Tyler Bertuzzi, Dylan Larkin, and Anthony Mantha becoming future leaders to the younger guys such as Rasmussen, Filip Zadina, and Filip Hronek, it is hard not seeing this team becoming dominant.
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Do not be deceived by the current state of the Red Wings because all indicators are pointing that they are tanking this season in order to get a quality first-round draft pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, like Jack Hughes.
After getting a first-round prospect, the Red Wings must make a decision on general manager Ken Holland (keep or try to get Steve Yzerman), let the poorly handed out contracts on veterans expire, decide on whether or not to keep head coach Jeff Blashill and figure out their goalie situation.
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All in all, things are going to start looking up for the Wings in the next year or two. They are in a beautiful new arena (Little Caesars Arena), they have a rich history and they have young talent that is ready to blossom. Players like Rasmussen are going to be the players the Red Wings build around during this rebuilding stage.