Michael Rasmussen

Hulking power forwards such as Rasmussen often take longer to develop. His 15 goals and 27 points in 80 games a season ago doesn't seem like anything to write home about, but both were career-high marks and considerably better than what we had seen from Rasmussen in the past. On the flip side, Rasmussen's minus-25 rating was horrific and something to keep an eye on moving forward. The 23-year-old has a ways to go to pay dividends for Detroit considering they spent the No. 9 overall pick on him in 2017, but last season was a clear improvement.

Rasmussen was a regular for the Red Wings for the majority of the 2020-21 campaign, ultimately posting three goals and 12 points in 40 games. Those are middling numbers when you take into account Rasmussen saw 2:16 worth of power-play ice time per game, but his shooting percentage was a stunningly low 4.8, a number that is likely to rebound moving forward. Rasmussen has time on his side considering he won't turn 23 years of age until next April, but he's looking at a depth role again in 2021-22 and is far more attractive in keeper and dynasty leagues as opposed to redraft formats.

Rasmussen enters the new campaign in hopes of becoming a more familiar face in the NHL. While his offensive game is unrefined, Detroit's ninth overall pick from the 2017 draft already has experience working on the power play, and the Red Wings are gradually reducing Frans Nielsen's minutes to the benefit of the 21-year-old power pivot from British Columbia. For now, Rasmussen can be left off fantasy rosters in redraft leagues, but he's keeper material given his significant untapped upside.

Expectations for Rasmussen soared when the 6-foot-6, 221-pound center found his name on the Opening Night roster for the 2018-19 campaign. The B.C. native didn't disappoint, as he finished with eight goals -- striking four times on the man advantage -- to go with 10 helpers over 62 games in a bottom-six assignment. Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill sent Rasmussen to the ice in the offensive zone only 44.1 percent of the time at even strength, with the power forward assuming a heavy defensive role to compensate for a Detroit blue line that was perpetually banged up. It's clear that Rasmussen is a special player; the 2017 ninth overall pick averaged 0.98 points per game with WHL Tri-City (2014-18), and he's largely bypassed the AHLto date. Consider throwing a late-round dart on No. 27 in fantasy drafts this fall.

Eliciting comparisons to Calgary's Sean Monahan and even a flashier Nick Bjugstad of the Panthers, Rasmussen is an intriguing prospect for the Red Wings. The 19-year-old power forward is listed at 6-foot-6, 221 pounds but scouts say he's surprisingly nimble and doesn't let his massive frame get in the way of production. A quick peek at his junior numbers is enough to leave prospective fantasy owners drooling over Rasmussen; he amassed 81 goals and 76 assists over 161 games for the WHL Tri-City Americans between 2014-18 and captained the club during an abbreviated run at the 2018 WHL Cup, notching 33 points through the third round against Everett. He's exempt from waivers with two years left on an entry-level contract, and Rasmussen should transcend keeper/dynasty interest since he figures to crack the Opening Night roster with Detroit.