Michael Rasmussen Signed to Three-Year Entry-Level Contract
By Daniel Garza
The Detroit Red Wings have signed 2017 first round draft pick Michael Rasmussen to a three-year entry-level contract.
Rasmussen is now officially a member of the Red Wings organization as the center agreed to terms with the team on Saturday.
The 18-year-old was the ninth overall pick in the 2017 National Hockey League Draft.
Standing at 6′ 6″, Rasmussen is a big player who can be very effective in and around the net. He has spent the past two seasons in the Western Hockey League. In 50 appearances in the 2016-17 season, the forward had 55 points. Unfortunately, a wrist injury cut his season short but nonetheless, he was able to put up impressive numbers.
In addition to his time playing for the Tri-City Americans, Rasmussen has represented Canada at the junior level multiple times. He currently is playing in the World Junior Summer Showcase. Last summer he had an impressive showing at the Hlinka Memorial Tournament in Europe where he put up four points in four appearances.
Where Will He Play This Season?
It will be interesting to see if Rasmussen will be able to find his way onto the Red Wings team sheet for the 2017-18 season. There is certainly going to be positions up for grabs and Rasmussen will be on of those players looking to make the first team.
There isn’t a guarantee he will even make the Grand Rapids Griffins roster, initially, but he could find his way onto the American Hockey League team’s roster towards the middle or end of the season. The Red Wings 2016 first round draft pick Dennis Cholowski spent time with the Griffins towards the end of the 2016-17 season.
If he returns to play for Tri-City then he will most definitely be motivated to show the Red Wings organization why he belongs on a pro team. For now, he certainly is capable of being a productive player for the Wings down the road. Patience will be key for fans with the young player.