With the Detroit Red Wings returning to full strength before our eyes, one thing is for certain. Michael Rasmussen has earned his spot in in the lineup for the foreseeable future. Since making the switch to wing, we’ve seen the offensive upside Ras’ can bring on a nightly basis.

We hear from Michael Rasmussen after he scores in a three-goal third period in the Red Wings' 4-2 win over the Senators on Saturday. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/YOVzSI0Xrx

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) January 1, 2023

Red Wings’ Move Ras’ to Wing

Throughout his four years with Detroit, Rasmussen has had stretches of success as a Winger. But on a team that has had little to no depth at the center position since his arrival. He hasn’t been able to make the full transition or get consistent looks on the wing. Coach Lalonde has recently moved Rasmussen up to the top line alongside Dylan Larkin and David Perron. An opportunity that Ras’ has seized every minute of. Michael’s size along with physicality has brought a different element to that top line. His ability to play two-way hockey, has freed up Larkin to be more offensive.

In the last five games Ras’ now has seven points (3G, 4A), four of those points coming against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In addition, moving into the top six has to be a huge boost of confidence for him. Coach Lalonde showing how much the coaching staff believes in him to be apart of that core.

It’s uncertain wether we will continue to see Rasmussen in the top six when the Red Wings do return to full strength. Nonetheless, I would like to continue to see him get minutes as a winger.