Red Wings Wrap-Up: Rasmussen enjoys breakout season in 2021-22

After showing flashes of potential in his first two NHL seasons, it was only a matter of time before Michael Rasmussen put it all together.

And in 2021-22, the 6-foot-6, 210-pound forward proved why the Detroit Red Wings took a chance on him with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
Rasmussen came into his own this season by posting career-highs in games played (80), goals (15), assists (12) and points (27).
"I think I took a lot of strides in the right direction and got better at some stuff I think I needed to get better at," Rasmussen said in his end-of-season media session. "Just gained more experience so I think individually, it was good for me."

Rasmussen was used in nearly every situation this season, recording time as a center and winger, on the penalty kill and power play, and even taking shifts during overtime games.
"Wherever I can help the team and fit in, give the guys some energy and life when we need it is something I try hard to be good at," he said. "I think it's important."
Perhaps most notably, Rasmussen emerged as a late-season offensive spark, scoring seven goals in his final 16 games.
"I just started to figure it out and maybe got some luck too," the 23-year-old said. "I can't really put a finger on it. I try to play the same kind of way, play hard and play the right way. I think it's just me just kind of slowly understanding it and maybe stuff clicking for me."

Reflecting on the first year of a three-year contract he signed last summer, Rasmussen said he understands the importance of dependability.
"I think effective players can bring it every night," he said. "Whether it's on the scoresheet or just other ways to play the game, I think the biggest thing is consistency and not getting too high or too low on yourself."
That mentality isn't new for Rasmussen. For example, after suiting up in eight games for the Red Wings to start the 2020-21 campaign, he was sent to Detroit's AHL-affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins on Feb. 1, 2021.
"All my experiences have kind of built to who I am and how I operate," Rasmussen said. "Last year, going to the minors at the start, you kind of have a choice when you go down there. You have a choice to mail it in and think someone is screwing you or you're not getting an opportunity.
"Or you can do the opposite and look yourself in the mirror and get to work knowing you gotta improve on things and be better."
Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin was one of several players who saw Rasmussen grow as a player in 2021-22.
"It's not really anyone's job to give you confidence," Larkin said on April 5. "Through his maturity, he's really grown into finding that, playing the right way, gaining trust from the coaching staff, getting put into key situations and then excelling."

As Rasmussen continues to develop, he is focused on improving his physicality this offseason.
"Just to get bigger and stronger, kind of the same things as it's always been," Rasmussen said. "You can never be too strong or too fast. I'm still kind of growing into my body a little bit."