Detroit Red Wings: Top 3 prospects that will make an impact next season

2. Michael Rasmussen

Yes, Michael Rasmussen spent a nearly full season in the NHL (2018-19). But in my book, he’s still a prospect. That’s because unfortunately, he missed a huge part of the 2019-20 season due to an injury. Even if the Red Wings play again, it’s hard to imagine he’ll be on the ice.

He spent 35 games in the AHL this season and he looked very good there, putting up 22 points in 35 games. That’s quite encouraging and it makes me confident he’ll bounce back. Rasmussen is a unique player because he’s basically a unicorn – he’s a huge forward who is skilled. I think that’s going to get him another look in the NHL at some point next season.

Because he played so well in the AHL, Rasmussen probably has a shot at making the NHL roster to start next season. Had he struggled, sending him back would have been the right call. But because Rasmussen proved he was healthy and showed that dominance the Red Wings saw in him back in 2017, I think he’ll have a chance to be an impact player next season. He needs to show he can drive a line (and in a limited sample size in the AHL, he did that), but even if he can’t, he has the tools necessary to be a quality forward in the NHL.