from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

Here are five things to watch this week:

Rasmussen decision nears
The Red Wings essentially have two more games to assess rookie forward Michael Rasmussen before deciding whether to send him back to Tri-City (WHL) for the remainder of the junior club's season, or keep him. He can't be assigned to AHL Grand Rapids because he has junior eligibility.

Rasmussen, 19, has struggled, with no goals, one assist and only six shots on goal in seven games, averaging 12:17. If he appears in 10 games, it will burn a year off his entry-level contract. He could still be returned to his junior team after, but that would be less likely to happen.

The Red Wings must determine if it's better for Rasmussen's development and confidence to play another year in juniors, where he is sure to dominate. Coach Jeff Blashill said he might scratch Rasmussen in another game or two to delay the decision. The toughest adjustment for the 6-6, 221-pound forward has been a lack of space and the speed of the game.

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