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I love that Rasmussen is producing, its got to be great for his confidence. As you'll all recall, I predicted big things for him this year and that really hasn't happened so it's good to feel like I wasn't 100% in the weeds. But I'd like to see a few things vis-a-vis the big fella. First, the team (i.e. coach) needs to figure out a role for him that makes sense. They've previously said they want him to be a Jordan Staal-esque 3C, which he's never ever been, and he's put in some serious work trying to make that happen...to mixed results. His defense is actually pretty good, but his offense hasn't really shone through in that role the way a Staal's does. That's probably because Ras needs to be near the net to score, and in Blash's system the center plays the F3 position high (almost like a 3rd defenseman) so something's gotta give (and it's his scoring). If they intend to keep him in that role, then it's got to be as a 4C because he's just never going to score enough as a center (in that system) to be a 3C. The other option, obviously, is to make him a winger where he'll score more but you'll lose him as matchup center. Essentially, he can be Tom Wilson or he can be Martin Hanzal but not both. The 2nd thing the team needs regarding Ras is for him to squat about 600lbs. His lower body is crazy weak for his size and it limits his ability to really wear down the opposition (an obvious appeal for a 6'6 player). Anybody remember when he absolutely buried Hampus Lindholm on the forecheck the other day in Boston and then Lindholm left the game later with a lower body injury? Anybody think those things are unrelated? Me neither. Ras needs to do this every single game.

This is a couple years ago but it's a good interview and has good information. https://megaphone.link/VMP3067199829 https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.habseyesontheprize.com/platform/amp/2020/7/3/21310422/coachs-challenge-podcast-what-makes-rikard-gronborg-an-nhl-coaching-target-europe-development Also of note, Lidstrom believes that he is the most ready to make the move to the NHL. NHL clause written in his contract. I trust the opinion of The Perfect Human.

154gp-24g-34a-58pts - 6oa pick - bust 171gp-23g-30a-53pts - 9oa pick - HYPE! (7mos older) Still not enough. Trade Zadina to TOR for Liljegren and Rasmusen to ANA for Lundestrom.

He's playing the game the right way. Expierence and milk will get him to the next level. Tall guys usually develop slower, which is why Soderblom is exciting with those hands he already has. I'm happy to be patient with Ras. He needs to move in with Veleno and get on Joe's workout routine.

I want Quenville.