Detroit Red Wings: Michael Rasmussen has opportunity to stick in lineup
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Red Wings have kicked off their 2020-21 season, and early on, COVID-19 is impacting their roster. Due to the National Hockey League’s (NHL) protocols, forwards Adam Erne and Robby Fabbri have to move to the COVID-19 list early in the season.
This could mean a couple of different things for Fabbri and Erne. Due to them being held out due to protocols, this could mean there was a positive test that was unconfirmed, mandated isolation for showing symptoms, or isolation based on a confirmed positive test and/or quarantine due to high-risk.
While the hope for Erne and Fabbri is that they are both healthy and will be back on the ice as soon as possible, there are some positives to be taken away. With Michael Rasmussen named to the team’s taxi squad, he has an opportunity in front of him.
The Red Wings could have Erne and Fabbri cleared and back at it as soon as tonight’s contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets. But Rasmussen could also get another crack at it, a chance to try and stick with the organization’s lineup.
Looking on the bright side of things, COVID list absences lead to opportunities for Detroit Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen.
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Throughout training camp, the Detroit Red Wings had to see if the Michael Rasmussen experience would stick around Hockeytown.
Rasmussen’s lackluster beginning to his career has not been what fans were hoping.
However, the Red Wings’ former first-round draft pick has bulked up and looks like he is much better off.
The Red Wings inserted him onto the second line where Robby Fabbri was, and he settled in nicely in his first game.
Rasmussen won a draw, and offseason signee Bobby Ryan shelved the puck to pot his second goal of the season, and Rasmussen picked up an assist.
He looks like he is settling in, and this chance to play on the second or third line is a great opportunity for him.
The Red Wings might be able to use this as a chance to see if Rasmussen can stick in the Red Wings lineup night in and night out. Best case scenario, Rasmussen will find a home in the Red Wings top six; in the worst-case scenario, he heads back to the taxi squad.
Rasmussen looked good in camp and deserves a chance at the NHL level; it’s just a matter of when and with Red Wings players on the COVID-list, now is the time. Why not see what Rasmussen can do, and if he sticks, then he deserves to take one of the roster spots in the Red Wings bottom-six.
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The Detroit Red Wings should let Michael Rasmussen prove he can belong in the lineup and not on the taxi squad.