Report: Detroit "Working on" an Extension for Michael Rasmussen

In the latest edition of his 32 Thoughts blog, SportsNet's Elliotte Friedman wrote: "Sounds like the Red Wings have been working on an extension with Michael Rasmussen."

Rasmussen, a 24-year-old Vancouverite, signed his current deal (a three-year, $4.38 million contract with a $1.46 million AAV) in July of 2021, and it is now due to expire in the coming summer.

Because he will be a restricted free agent when that contract runs out, there is not a tremendous sense of urgency around an extension.  The Red Wings will be able to keep him without much trouble should they choose to.

However, Rasmussen isn't the only pending RFA on Detroit's roster.  Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and Joe Veleno are all set to hit restricted free agency this summer as well, so getting some of that business out of the way stands to reason.

Rasmussen was the penultimate first round pick of Ken Holland's run at the helm of the Red Wings (the final one was Filip Zadina).  Because of the general resentment among Detroit fans for the latter stages of Holland's tenure, Rasmussen was initially perceived in some circles as a "bust."

However, in recent years, he has proven his value to the Red Wings through his versatility, work rate, and selflessness.  He can play center or wing, he makes life easier on his line-mates by winning puck battles all over the ice, he's responsible defensively, he can pitch in some offense, and he has no compunction about dropping the gloves.

Last season, Rasmussen set career highs in assists (19) and points (29).  Through 10 games this year, he has a goal and two assists.  Based on Friedman's reporting, it sounds as though Red Wings brass intends to keep him around.

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