New Wing Michael Rasmussen: “It’s a dream come true”

By @MichaelCaples –

Michael Rasmussen donned a Red Wings jersey Friday night as the Original Six franchise’s first-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, and the moment wasn’t lost on the big-bodied center.

“It was my mind that coming here was something that could happen and now, it’s a dream come true,” Rasmussen said during his first meeting with the media at the United Center in Chicago after going No. 9 overall.

The 6-foot-6-inch forward of the Tri-City Americans said he’s well aware of his physical gifts, and that he uses them to his advantage. Scouts have praised his abilities on the power play; Rasmussen posted 55 points in 50 games last year.

“I’ve got a big wingspan, protect the puck well and keep players from taking it from me.”

MORE: Red Wings select Michael Rasmussen with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland praised Rasmussen’s off-ice composition during his short interview on the NBC Sports live broadcast from the draft.

“He plays center, obviously he’s a big man with a lot of character – he was just named captain of Tri-City of the WHL,” Holland said. “We got a big man with skill and a lot of character.”

Rasmussen figures into an organization in need of a center. He was a bit of a question mark heading into the draft, however, after a wrist fracture limited his season and kept him from participating in the NHL Combine.

In an article with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Rasmussen was asked about whether he thought he was ready to play in the NHL next fall.

“That’s hard to say,” Rasmussen said. “I want to get healthy, get stronger, work out over the summer and see where I’m at.”

MiHockey’s Matt Mackinder contributed to this story from Chicago.