MICHAEL RASMUSSEN - Center - 20 - $.894MM Cap Hit - RFA in 2021-2022
LAST UPDATED 8/5/19
As a former WHL star and top-10 pick, the Red Wings were likely very eager to test Michael Rasmussen's NHL value, and that eagerness is what allowed Rasmussen to make his debut as an NHL regular as a teenager. Among the prospects in his draft class, Rasmussen was always one of the more pro-ready, as his elite size and strength (six foot six, 221 lbs.) allows him to have a level of net-front offensive and overall defensive value that simply cannot be taught. Rasmussen showed that value, using his size to make a defensive impact by winning battles along the boards and in front of the net, and helping out the offense by screening the goalie and creating space in front of the net. Rasmussen didn't score at an elite level, but the upside is there for him to become a shoot-first top-6 two-way center. His skating just needs to improve, and he needs to be playing on a line that allows him to stay in front of the net and make the most out of his best trait, his size, to have an offensive impact. As of right now, I think he should have a point-per-game season in the AHL to really get a feel for what scoring night after night in a professional environment feels like, so he can step into the NHL scoring rythm without any hiccups, but if he needs to play in the NHL he should be playing in a third line, two-way role with strong linemates to support his game and with a coach who gives him a long leash and allows him to sort through and develop from his mistakes.
As a former WHL star and top-10 pick, the Red Wings were likely very eager to test Michael Rasmussen's NHL value, and that eagerness is what allowed Rasmussen to make his debut as an NHL regular as a teenager. Among the prospects in his draft class, Rasmussen was always one of the more pro-ready, as his elite size and strength (six foot six, 221 lbs.) allows him to have a level of net-front offensive and overall defensive value that simply cannot be taught. Rasmussen showed that value, using his size to make a defensive impact by winning battles along the boards and in front of the net, and helping out the offense by screening the goalie and creating space in front of the net. Rasmussen didn't score at an elite level, but the upside is there for him to become a shoot-first top-6 two-way center. His skating just needs to improve, and he needs to be playing on a line that allows him to stay in front of the net and make the most out of his best trait, his size, to have an offensive impact. As of right now, I think he should have a point-per-game season in the AHL to really get a feel for what scoring night after night in a professional environment feels like, so he can step into the NHL scoring rythm without any hiccups, but if he needs to play in the NHL he should be playing in a third line, two-way role with strong linemates to support his game and with a coach who gives him a long leash and allows him to sort through and develop from his mistakes.
Services |
Company |
|