"A hall-of-fame center over a defenseman that never plays a game in the NHL."
I can say words too. How about we try to have a discussion.
Okay, Rasmussen, both in his draft year and his +1 year, have demonstrated nothing that says to me that he’s a top 6 Forward. His numbers aren’t good; his 5v5 play leaves a lot to be desired, he doesn’t drive play at all, and most of his points come around the net. The last point isn’t inherently a bad thing, and it’s been the bread and butter of plenty to 6 NHLers, however, he isn’t a prolific producer, which leads me to question his actual offensive accumen. The only time he really resembled a top ten pick this year was during the playoffs, which is what every Detroit periodical will point to, but I just think it’s too small of a sample size. Because of my concerns with Rasmussen’s ability to generate offense at the pro level, which is supported by his junior career, I just don’t him as anything more than a middle 6 forward.
Hronek on the other hand has substantially improved over the last two years. He’s got feet, he moves the puck really well, drives possession, and is a lynch pin of every team he’s played for, and has gained his coach’s approval every time, because of how good he is. Defensemen are harder to project at the nhl level, but he has the toolset to be a borderline top pairing defenseman, and I’d take that over a power play specialist middle 6 forward.
I don’t want this be misrepresented as hating Rasmussen either, he seems like a good kid and I think he has a future on this team, but I think you have to be realistic with what you have.