WHL Alumni Of The Week: Michael Rasmussen

As part of a new series on THN, we decided to reflect on different WHL alumni and give a background as to how they made their mark on the WHL and completed their journey to the pros. This week's article focuses on Detroit Red Wings' Michael Rasmussen, who was a top-ten pick in both the NHL and WHL.

WHL career at a glance:
4 seasons
161 games played
81 goals
76 assists

After a successful season with the Okanagan HA U15 Prep, Rasmussen was drafted seventh overall by the Tri-City Americans in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft. Rasmussen would make his WHL debut the next season before joining the Americans full-time in 2015-16. During his rookie year, the Surrey, B.C.-born center recorded 43 points in 63 games and was invited as part of Canada Black to the 2015 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge.

After another successful season, Rasmussen was selected ninth overall by the Red Wings in 2017. He was one of three WHLers selected in the top ten in 2017, joining Nolan Patrick (2nd) and Cody Glass (6th). After being drafted, Rasmussen would play one final season with Tri-City, leading them to a deep playoff run where he recorded 33 points in just 14 games.

Rasmussen made the jump to pro during the 2018-19 season. He spent the majority of his first season in the NHL and recorded his first career goal on October 30, 2018, against the Columbus Blue Jackets. During his rookie season, Rasmussen played 62 games, recording eight goals and 18 points.

Now in his sixth NHL season, Rasmussen has become a fixture in the Red Wings lineup. In 356 games, he has 55 goals and 131 points while also recording 618 hits. Overall, Rasmussen has had a strong career and is on pace to surpass the 150 career point mark later this season.

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