This is a big year for Rasmussen. Two things people seem to always forget.
First, it takes BIG Cs longer to develop. In Rasmussen’s case, he’s actually right on schedule. Especially when you remember he basically missed two seasons of his development. His rookie year at 19, as he played 4th line minutes on the Wing because they couldn’t send him to the AHL, but sending him back to juniors would’ve been worthless. Then the Covid year….
The best thing Yzerman did, is send him the GR for that year, to concentrate on playing C as a pro.
Second, the most important part in developing any young forward, is getting them to learn how to find open ice, open seams and actually creating open ice themselves.
Almost every forward in the NHL was a high scoring player growing up. The difference between them at the NHL level, is the guys who do develop the skill to find and create open ice, are your Top 6 players in the NHL. Like 80% of forwards never develop this. It’s almost a muscle memory thing like skating.
Rasmussen developed that skill last year. As the second half went on, he was better and better at it.
They now have a guaranteed, 23 yr old, 6’6” 3C for the next 7-10 years. A player who’s upside is huge right now because he has developed this skill.
Do not be surprised, if by this time next year, Rasmussen is their 2C. He has tremendous skill and hands for a big man. Now he finds the seams and creates space in the slot.
It’s going to make him really hard to play against.
Too often HF thinks players are busts if they’re not stars by 21. You think people would know this is ridiculous, as 90% of players don’t really develop until they’re 23-24.
He’s one of the stories to follow this year. Generally after it clicks, they only get better at finding those extra seconds they need in the O-Zone.