Detroit — The Red Wings have secured one of their young building blocks.
Forward Michael Rasmussen, a restricted free agent, signed a three-year contract extension Thursday. Terms were not immediately released.
Rasmussen, 22, took a major step forward this season.
The 2017 first-round draft pick (ninth overall) played in 40 games this season, with 12 points (three goals, nine assists) and 26 penalty minutes. Rasmussen ranked second on the team with 72 hits, and also blocked 28 shots.
After an injury-filled season in minor league affiliate Grand Rapids the year before, Rasmussen (6-foot-6, 229 pounds) came into camp healthy and confident after playing in Austria to begin the hockey season because of the ongoing pandemic delaying pro leagues in North America.