Detroit Red Wings’ Michael Rasmussen out Friday vs. New York Rangers

The 24-year-old has tallied 13 goals and 20 assists for a career-high 33 points in 75 games this season. Back in February, Rasmussen signed a four-year contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $3.2 million per season. Rasmussen was set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights at the end of the season while holding a $1.46 million cap hit.

During the 2022-23 campaign, Rasmussen had a better season with 29 points in 56 games, but missed time due to a knee injury that kept him out for a significant portion of time.

The Surrey, British Columbia product was selected No. 9 overall in the 2017 NHL Draft by Detroit after scoring 32 goals and 55 points in 50 Western Hockey League (WHL) games with the Tri-City Americans. Rasmussen made the Red Wings full-time in 2018-19 before heading down to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins the following year. He finally became a full-time NHLer in 2021-22 and has consistently produced at least 20 points a season ever since.

Detroit currently sits tied for second with the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference wild-card race with a 37-30-8 record and 82 points through 75 games. They trail seven points back of the No. 1 wild card team the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Red Wings will play the Rangers on Friday, the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday and the Washington Capitals next Tuesday in crucial games.