Red Wings sign Rasmussen to 4-year extension

The Detroit Red Wings signed forward Michael Rasmussen to a four-year extension on Tuesday with an average annual value of $3.2 million.

Rasmussen could have become an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent this summer after playing out the final season of a three-year pact with a $1.46-million cap hit.

The 24-year-old boasts 11 goals and 23 points in 55 outings this season and is on pace to set new career highs in both categories. He's also key to the Red Wings' improved penalty kill, which is currently tied for seventh in the league with an 82% success rate. Rasmussen averages 1:51 minutes of shorthanded ice time per contest, the third most among Detroit forwards.

The Red Wings selected Rasmussen with the ninth overall pick at the 2017 NHL Draft. He's totaled 47 goals and 109 points in 293 career games.