The Detroit Red Wings and forward Michael Rasmussen have agreed to a four-year, $12.8 million agreement. Rasmussen, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 221 pounds, has earned a new contract based on his performance over the last two seasons.
Rasmussen, who was drafted ninth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, was accustomed to playing against lesser opponents, where his size provided an enormous advantage. He then attended the Red Wings’ development and training camps before making his NHL debut.
After playing for the large club, he appeared lethargic, slow, and defeated owing to the size and speed difference. He wasn’t quite ready for the big time, and it showed in his play.
He would be assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League to improve his game and speed.
He gradually improved to the point where he was promoted to Detroit. He demonstrated that he was improving, but he would only play a few games until he was fully prepared for a roster berth.
Fans and the media began to question whether he was a bust based on where he was picked and his performance thus far.
After dominating the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Tri-City Americans and proving himself with the Griffins, he was now ready to establish his worth in Detroit and join the squad.
Rasmussen was delayed at initially, but eventually began to play a physical style that allowed him to create scoring opportunities. One could notice small improvements in his game, and he was beginning to show that he belonged. He felt better but still had some work to do.
Last season was his big break, as he got more ice time and a larger position on the club.
He significantly improved his skating and defensive play, resulting in a massive shift in his overall game. His play around the boards and in front of the net improved significantly, and he was assigned to the first penalty kill unit, where he excelled.
This season, he has 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points in 55 games, falling seven points short of his career high. This season, he was elevated to the top line alongside captain Dylan Larkin as a result of his improved play and strong acclaim from the coaches.
He has developed into a capable middle-six forward, which was not anticipated following his first two professional seasons. He’s come a long way and fought hard to win a spot and shape his game into the mold of a Red Wings player.
Rasmussen’s remarkable work ethic enables him to be effective in both regular shifts and penalty kills. He never gives up on a shift and is willing to take a hit in order to make a move.
His physical game has also improved, as he is eager to get his nose filthy when he believes the opposition is targeting his teammates. Rasmussen is not the same as he was two years ago, and this is the type of player they expected with the ninth overall choice. He is also just 24 years old.
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