The Dallas Stars have the third overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and it’s one of the most intriguing spots in the draft.
Brandon Wheat Kings center Nolan Patrick and Halifax Moosheads center Nico Hischier are considered the top prospects in this draft class. There is some debate whether Patrick or Hischier will go first overall, but there seems to be a consensus opinion that neither will make it past the second pick.
That means the Stars could go in any direction at No. 3 and it’s not a bad spot. While this draft is considered weaker than past years, Dallas will still get a very good prospect at No. 3 and a player that should make an impact in the NHL.
Since the NHL Draft Lottery I’ve taken time to watch video and spoken with others that have watched these draft prospects closely to create my own scouting reports for 12 players that Dallas could consider at No. 3. Yesterday we took a look at Gabriel Vilardi. On Thursday we scouted Casey Middestadt. Today I’m sharing my scouting report on Michael Rasmussen.
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Michael Rasmussen
(6-foot-6, 203 pounds)
Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Michael Rasmussen is the fifth-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting, but shouldn’t be a consideration at No. 3 for the Stars because of the other options available.
However, if the Stars ended up trading back in the draft and wanted to grab a traditional power forward, Rasmussen would be a good option in middle of the first round.
At 6-foot-6 (200 cm) and 215 pounds (95 KG) Rasmussen is a force in front of the net and that’s where he scores most of his goals. He’ll make his living as a pillar on the power play and had 15 power play goals with the Tri-City Americans this season.
His success is also predicated on his stick work in front of the net. Many of his goals have come on tips and deflections, while he used his long reach to beat defenders to rebounds on several goals this past season.
Even during 5-on-5 play Rasmussen is dedicated to driving toward the net and has found the most effective use of his large frame. He’s also a more fluid skater than most larger forwards, which is one the reasons he’ll likely be a top-15 pick.
The raw tools and net-front instincts are a positive, but Rasmussen rarely creates his own chances in the flow of play. He also has to add other key elements to his game in the defensive zone, which will take patience from whichever team drafts the big center.
He’s a first-round pick, but the Stars likely won’t be calling his name unless they trade back in the first round.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjfZEEKPnys
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