The Detroit Red Wings have given former first round pick Michael Rasmussen somewhat of an extended audition throughout the lineup this season.
His average ice time is up to 16:38 per game -- a huge raise from the 12:39 he played last season. What warranted this is anyone's guess, but if head coach Todd McLellan's comments are any indication, it's to provide him with a "fresh start".
He thus far has not delivered on that start.
While he did finally score a goal for the first time in 290 days this season, he's put up just two points in 12 games -- a goal and two assists. Despite low production, the Red Wings have insisted on playing him on the second power play unit, throwing him on a line with Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Viktor Arvidsson, Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond and Justin Faulk.
In 12 games this season, Rasmussen has just one power play point.
It's time for the Red WIngs to consider another option on their power play unit.
Power play worse with Rasmussen on it
Last season, the Red Wings had a % power play percentage success rate. This year, those early numbers have taken a hit; in 12 games, the team has a 21.4% success rate. On paper, it might not a substantial drop in number, but it's important to note that the Red Wings had 22.3% power play success rate, scoring seven goals on 30 power play attempts.
This season, the Red Wings have nine goals across 42 attempts.
They're receiving more opportunities and producing at a lower clip despite added efforts from players like Viktor Arvidsson, who has five power play points this season.
Some players are better equipped for roles that others can't handle. Rasmussen has always been a defensive forward, capable of handling the penalty kill with ease. Trying to play him on the power play is a lot like putting Andreas Athanasiou on the penalty kill (remember him?). It just isn't conducive to his play style.
That's why a mutual parting of ways might be best on power play duties.
Replacement candidates for Rasmussen
The good news is that there are a few candidates that could fill in for Rasmussen. The bad news is that the numbers are few and far between. If the Red Wings want to get creative, they can pull in oft-scratched Axel Sandin-Pellikka to fill in as a quarterback. If they want to give Nate Danielson a big opportunity, power play time might be just the jolt he needs to get his career back on track.
Beyond that, the team might have to wait until Marco Kasper returns to the fold for Rasmussen's replacement.
Perhaps he's been asked to punch above his weight to help cope with the loss of Kasper. It's understandable: a lack of depth has forced players like Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat to play well above their typical ice time.
A solution can't come soon enough for both the Red Wings and Rasmussen.
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