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Chicago Blackhawks: Dennis Rasmussen To Be A Free Agent

BySean Fitzgerald|
Mar 31, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) and defenseman Jack Johnson (7) defend against Chicago Blackhawks center Dennis Rasmussen (70) during the third period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) and defenseman Jack Johnson (7) defend against Chicago Blackhawks center Dennis Rasmussen (70) during the third period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Blackhawks have decided not to offer a qualifying offer to Restricted Free Agent Dennis Rasmussen. Rasmussen is now an Unrestricted Free agent and can sign with any team. Earlier this week it had been reported by multiple sources that Rasmussen had received his qualifying offer along Ville Pokka. It turns out that is not the case.  Scott Powers of the Athletic is the first person to report the story today. 

It had been reported that Rasmussen had a refused an offer from the Blackhawks earlier this off-season.

Rasmussen was exposed in the Expansion draft because he rejected the Blackhawks offer.

The Blackhawks Do Not Need Rasmussen

Rasmussen was a depth forward he spent the majority of his NHL career in the bottom six. Due to the lack offense from Andrew Desjardins, Rasmussen was forced to play more last season. With the Hawks having an abundance of young forwards coming through the system, Ramussen leaving will not be a big loss. Graham Knott, Vinnie Hinstroza, and Anthony Louis will now have better chances of making the roster.

Rasmussen “could” still return

This is an “IF” statement, but it is a big “IF”. The Blackhawks could have not qualified Rasmussen because they did not want to pay his qualifying price. They could be not qualifying to sign him a lesser contract. This is highly doubtful because he refused an offer from the team already this off-season.

My best guess is that Rasmussen will return to Europe to play hockey much like former Blackhawks forward Peter Regin. In Europe, he should get more ice time and more money.

Rasmussen was not drafted by the Blackhawks but signed as a International Free agent prior to the 2014-15 season.  He signed a 1-year deal with the Blackhawks and signed one year extensions for 2015 and 2016 seasons.

During his tenure he appeared in 112 games, he scored 8 goals and 9 assists. During the playoffs, he appeared in 3 games scoring 1 goal.

Stay tuned here for news on the Blackhawks rosters. We expect more to come this off-season.

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