The advent of high expectations early for a Detroit Red Wings 1st round pick is, in this century, a fairly new expectation. We can call it the Dylan Larkin effect. Drafted 15th overall in 2014, Larkin spent only one year at the University of Michigan before The Red Wings brass believed he was ready for the big time. He absolutely was. Scoring 23 as a rookie, his goal totals dipped in years 2 and 3 while he learned to play the full 200 ft game. Last year, he scored 32. Detroit’s first 30 goal scorer since 2009. He is the clear leader and driver of this team.
For Anthony Mantha, drafted in 2013, it has taken longer for him to develop into what Detroit hopes will be another 30+ goal scorer. However, it seems to have been worth the wait. The shot the Mantha has developed and his strength skating and on the puck are eye opening. He used opportunities due to injury to improve and become stronger. This brings me to Michael Rasmussen.
Due to the current rules of the major junior leagues, a player who is drafted into that league and plays cannot report to the AHL immediately after being drafted. And so, if a player can’t break the NHL roster, they go back to junior for the year. Last year, the Red Wings decided it would be better for Rasmussen’s development to keep him in Detroit. In 62 games played he had 8 goals and 10 assists and was a minus 8. He was also 19 at the beginning of the year.
There was some “buzz… that Yzerman was not sold on Rasmussen as a player, and as a result of that lack of faith he was sent to Grand Rapids as he is now eligible to start down there. I thought Rasmussen had a decent pre season, and a good camp. But, the potential to grab top 6 minutes in Detroit wasn’t there so he is getting higher reps in Grand Rapids. So are Joe Veleno, Filip Zadina, Moritz Seider, Svechnikov, etc. I’m not sure what the “panic… is regarding this move.
At 20 going on 21, Rasmussen is learning the trade. He may well be a third line NHL center, who knows at this point? The fact that Steve Yzerman brought in Filppula on a 2 year deal to stabilize the Red Wings center position is nothing but positive at this point. Forcing young players to “sink or swim… in the NHL can backfire. Tomas Jurco has had to reclaim his career. Justin Schultz bloomed once he found stability in Pittsburgh. Anthony Mantha needed time and training. It’s a process more often than not.
The Griffins have played a single game this season (until tonight 10/11). There are already fans and pundits wondering what went “wrong… with Filip Zadina (19). Steve Yzerman is ready to allow prospects to develop. Granted, it won’t be the old days of waiting until they are 24 for a shot, but is 22 or 23 such a bad idea for most players? I would urge anyone to watch and be patient. If 4 years of development show no improvement, or not enough, then decisions will be made. The Wings have a bevy of young players that could step up and take a spot, and it will be exciting to watch.
The year in Detroit has started well, far better than I thought it would, but it’s a long season. My best guess is that Grand Rapids could enjoy a successful year, allowing young guys to find their swagger and hone their craft in a positive environment. It takes a special player who can develop when things aren’t going well. Dylan Larkin is a phenomenal leader and was developed in the fires of disappointment. His courage and commitment are impressive, an he’s willing to be the first guy in to try and make things better.
I hope that Rasmussen has a productive and exciting season. That can only help him develop. I believe he has skills and size that would benefit this team. A third line center is a difference maker on a good team (Jordan Staal in Pittsburgh was fantastic in that role). If that is the path for Rasmussen and we see Larkin and Veleno slotted ahead of him, that could be a very exciting team to watch. Only time will tell.
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