The Athletic · Oct 7, 2017
Pronman: Early returns on Rasmussen suggest concerns were overplayed
Leading up to the 2017 NHL Draft, with a consensus starting to form about how the first round would go, internet discussions had a clear message: Don’t pick Michael Rasmussen.
The emerging narrative was that the 6-foot-6 center from Tri-City in the WHL was being hyped unnecessarily as a potential top-10 pick. Some cited his size as an overrated factor driving his value, others criticized his lack of even-strength points last season or general lack of high-end production overall.
While not every posting was critical of Rasmussen, in large sections the message was clear: He was a bad gamble in the top half of the first round. The Red Wings picked him ninth overall. Mocking and criticism ensued.