from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

The Wings could bring Seider up for nine games – as they did last year with Filip Zadina – this season and it wouldn’t begin Seider’s entry-level contract.

But Blashill said, “We’ll see as we go along. It’s not something we’ve discussed in the immediate future. I look at it on a game-to-game basis and I want the six best (defensemen) to win a hockey game. (General manager) Steve (Yzerman) has to look at it more from a big-picture basis and there’s a lot that goes into that – expansion draft, a lot of different things. Steve will make that final determination....

Forward Michael Rasmussen has been limited to 10 games (two goals, nine assists) this season in Grand Rapids – he hasn’t played since Nov. 12 – because of undisclosed injuries.

“You’re missing critical development,” said Blashill. “The fact he’s been out so much hurts the timeline of development. It doesn’t necessarily mean it will hurt his development long-term, but the timeline, the quickness with which he would be ready to be an NHL player, is hurt.

“There’s still half a season left, and hopefully he can get to where he is healthy enough to play every night and do real well down there.”

When asked about forward Evgeny Svechnikov (29 games, 13 points), Blashill said the organization wants to see more of the former first-round draft pick.

“He’s going to have to play great hockey, regardless of there or here,” Blashill said. “If you play great hockey, the organization will feel good about you.”

more on Seider...