Red Wings Review: Michael Rasmussen

Detroit Hockey Now will be looking back at the seasons turned in by every Detroit Red Wings player who played at least 20 games during the 2024-25 NHL campaign. We’ll assess what went right, what aspects were lacking from their game and what the future holds for them in Detroit. Today, we look at center/winger Michael Rasmussen.

Rasmussen’s Red Wings Season

Michael Rasmussen finished with 11-10-21 totals in 77 games. That was his lowest points output since 2021-22. Both his shots (99) and shooting percentage (11.1%) were down from last season, even though he played two more games. He was also was a minus-12 after consecutive seasons of +2 and +8. Rasmussen did finish second among Detroit forwards in hits (141) and blocked shots (59).

What He Does Well

Rasmussen is the proverbial Swiss Army Knife, in that he can and is willing to fill whatever role the team needs. In a pinch, he can play anywhere up and down the lineup. He’s comfortable on the wing and serviceable as a third or fourth-line center.

Michael Rasmussen – Detroit Red Wings (11) pic.twitter.com/v3lx6Qq2i0

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) April 5, 2025

“Well, he’s pretty trusting player,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said. “You can put him on the ice in a lot of different situations. Penalty kill, power play. He’s been able to check. He’s been able to play center or wing. So he kind of does a little bit of everything.

“He’s probably never going to score 40, but he’s going to get you 10 or 12 consistently. And that’s just what he is, a consistent, steady, good teammate. And we appreciate him for that.”

Improvements That Could Be Implemented

Rasmussen has put in plenty of work to improve his skating. However, the fact of the matter is that he still is someone who requires a few strides to get up to full speed. And while the 6-foot-6 Rasmussen is a big body who’s willing to play a physical game, there are still concerns in this area.

Jack Hughes tried to stop Michael Rasmussen from putting home the empty netter and got SMOKED 🔥

Rasmussen stared down Hughes, chirped him, and tempers flared pic.twitter.com/LOUsCwmrM7

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 25, 2024

He does seem to lose a lot of puck battles along the boards and is too easily knocked off his feet. Attempts to utilize his big body as a net-front presence on the Red Wings power play have proven to be mostly futile.

Rasmussen’s Red Wings Future

While certainly not a star, Rasmussen is someone who offers value to the club. His ability to fill different roles is significant. He gets into double digits in goals every season while playing a bottom-six role. He can be trusted in key winning situations such as protecting a late lead.

At the same time, he’s also a first-round draft pick (ninth overall in 2017). With his combination of size, physicality and ability to get between 10-15 goals per season, Rasmussen might also be a player the Red Wings could package in a deal.