Red Wings Select Michael Rasmussen in 2017 NHL Draft

The Detroit Red Wings saw their incredible streak of 25 straight playoff seasons come to an end in 2016-17 but have their eyes on a future streak after selecting center Michael Rasmussen of the Tri-City Americans with the No. 9 overall pick in Thursday's NHL draft in Chicago. 

Detroit finished 26th in the league in goals per game (2.41) in 2016-17 and could use Rasmussen's scoring touch in the coming years.

Health was a concern for Rasmussen after he dealt with knee and wrist injuries last season for Tri-City, but Adam Kimelman of NHL.com noted the center said he will have the cast removed from his wrist next month and should be ready to go by training camp.

Rasmussen played 50 games in his most recent campaign for the Americans and finished with 55 points on 32 goals and 23 assists. He has the size to play a physical brand of hockey in the attacking zone at 6'6", and Guillaume Lepage of NHL.com noted his skating and stick handling doesn't suffer even with his height.

"I would say my biggest strength is around the net," Rasmussen said, per Lepage. "I can protect the puck and I drive the net hard."

Rasmussen is just 18 years old and likely still has some development to go before he is starting for Detroit. However, he has the potential to be an offensive force as the Red Wings look to build on their four Stanley Cups they won in their run of 25 straight playoff seasons.