Red Wings prospect Michael Rasmussen stellar in return from surgery

Good news on the Detroit Red Wings prospect front: Michael Rasmussen returned to play in fine form.

The ninth overall pick from the 2017 NHL draft, Rasmussen produced three points in his first appearance in six weeks since undergoing wrist surgery in mid-December. 

Rasmussen, 18, had a goal and two assists as he played back-to-back games over the weekend for the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League. The Ams won both games, improving to 25-16-7 and taking over the first wildcard spot in the WHL playoff race.

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Rasmussen has 17 goals and 17 assists over 24 games. His 1.42 points-per-game average leads the team, and his nine power-play goals rank second. 

A 6-foot-6, 215-pound center, Rasmussen had an impressive first camp with the Wings. He was adept at going to the net and screening opposing goaltenders, and scored four goals in five exhibition games. 

Fellow top prospect Dennis Cholowski is also having a standout season. He just had an eight-game point streak snapped over the weekend, leaving him with 13 goals and 36 assists over 47 games (he has 10 assists in 10 games since being traded to the Portland Winterhawks from the Prince George Cougars). Cholowski, drafted 20th overall in 2016, ranks fifth overall in scoring among WHL defensemen. 

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.

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