Red Wings Injury Updates: Rasmussen Day To Day; Bertuzzi Uncertain

The Detroit Red Wings will take the ice for Wednesday’s NHL preason game at Nationwide Arena against the Columbus Blue Jackets again missing a number of key pieces to their puzzle.

Along with Jakub Vrana, down for four months following shoulder surgery, fellow forwards Michael Rasmussen (undisclosed) and Tyler Bertuzzi (back surgery) are also on the sideline.

Red Wings Michael Rasmussen Day To Day

Rasmussen was a late scratch from Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh with his undisclosed injury. Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill described it as “a tweak.”

On Wednesday, Blashill wasn’t offering any further insight into what it is that’s ailing the hulking 6-foot-6 center.

“Day to day,” Blashill said of Michael Rasmussen. “Won’t play tonight or tomorrow (at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins).”

Michael Rasmussen with the first preseason goal for the Wings. Nice find by Adam Erne, too. #LGRW

(via @DetroitRedWings)
pic.twitter.com/4dIBaaXgv3

— Tony Dombrowski (@tonydombrowski) September 30, 2021

Rasmussen is figuring on playing an important role for the Detroit Red Wings this season. The Wings envision filling a shutdown center role against the opposition’s top forward unit. There’s also the expectation that he’llbe providing a net-front presence on the club’s second power-play unit.

On a team in which undersized is an adjective that affixes easily to several forwards, the Red Wings can’t afford to be without Rasmussen for a long spell.

Bertuzzi’s Continued Absence Cloaked In Mystery

It appeared at one stage that both Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin (neck injury) and linemate Bertuzzi were on a similar trajectory to get back into the lineup. During the summer, there was certainly an expression of concern that Larkin might miss some early-season games. That suggestion was never proferred in discussions regarding Bertuzzi’s health.

Yet here we are, a week from the start of the regular season. Larkin is back playing. Bertuzzi’s status is a muddled as they come.

Tyler Bertuzzi practiced this week & will practice today, but is not playing tonight. Blashill said we will see where it goes from there. @DetroitRedWings #LGRW

— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) October 6, 2021

“He practised Monday, skated yesterday in a skills skate,” Bashill said Wednesday morning. “I believe he’s practising today.

“He’s not playing tonight and we’ll see where it goes from there.”