When Michael Rasmussen was drafted in 2017 by the Detroit Red Wings, the expectations were that Rasmussen would turn into a solid net-front center that uses his size to overwhelm his opponents.
In 454 career NHL games, we've seen glimpses of that at times, but, for the most part, the former first round pick has been rather underwhelming. Last season was Rasmussen's worst. The 27-year-old managed just six goals and 14 points in 64 games, playing an average ice time of 12:39 a night.
Where some may see a player in their prime producing this poorly as an indictment, Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan believes a fresh start is the answer.
"He's a big man and can hold on to pucks well, and he can play heavy along the boards," said McLellan in an interview with The Hockey News. "That's what we're asking everyone to do."
Holding onto the puck is one thing, but turning that into meaningful production is another.
At this point in his career, how much runway does Rasmussen get?
Rasmussen doesn't use size advantageously
There's an old (albeit very dated) adage used in professional sports: "Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane". This is typically used when a player is physically imposing, but doesn't use that size to their advantage. Rasmussen represents this better than perhaps any other player in the NHL. Despite his 6-foot-6, 220 lb frame, he rarely, if ever, uses his physicality to his advantage.
To be fair, it's not like Rasmussen is a complete liability on the ice. He's a perfectly effective penalty killer, able to clear the puck with ease when the team is shorthanded. Unfortunately, that's really the only thing he excels at performing. He isn't a physical threat, isn't capable of generating offense and isn't a stout defensive threat.
"He's got a fresh start to a new season; he's smart enough and mature enough to understand that," McLellan said. "He's just gotta capture it and stay confident, and that comes through in his play."
In an ideal world, Rasmussen has a bounce back campaign and is able to contribute well on the fourth line.
But how much time does a guy with nearly 500 career games need to figure it out?
Rasmussen in danger of losing his job
If the rough draft of the opening night lineup tells us anything, it's that there are plenty of opportunities for young players to take the reins. If everything goes according to plan, it looks as if Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Nate Danielson will make the opening night lineup.
But what happens when Dylan Larkin returns from his injury?
Sooner or later, there's going to be an odd man out. Sure, you could send down Danielson as he's still ineligible for waivers and can clear easily. But what happens if he exceeds expectations? What if Danielson and Brandsegg-Nygard play well while Rasmussen struggles? Sooner or later, something has to give with this lineup.
This is about as make or break of a season as it gets for Michael Rasmussen.
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