Fantasy Summary
A quick, skilled center who relies on his speed and hands to transition pucks up the ice. Needs to improve his forechecking and overall effort along the boards.
Attributes | |
|---|---|
| Fantasy Upside | 6.0 |
| NHL Certainty | 7.5 |
| Country | SWE |
| Position | C |
| Roster Type | Minors |
| Shoot/Glove | Left |
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1997 |
| Height | 5‘11” |
| Weight | 190 lbs |
| Drafted | 2016 Round 2; Overall: 33 |
Observations
April 2020 – Asplund struggled to generate offense in Rochester during the 2019-2020 AHL season. He is noticeably quick and can be shifty with the puck. He has also demonstrated sufficient defensive awareness in his own end. However, his forechecking and vision are among his weaker attributes, hence his mediocre sum of 19 points in 33 games. At the age of 22 and with one more season before he reaches RFA status, the Buffalo Sabres would like to continue testing him in a depth role. He does not dictate the game’s pace on the offensive side of the puck. His chances are somewhat low of becoming an impact offensive player at the NHL level. Kevin Wong
February 2020 – Rasmus Asplund has split his time between Buffalo and Rochester this season. With constant health issues in Buffalo, Asplund has been called up a few times. The Swedish forward has three points in 29 games with the Sabres. In addition, he has tallied two goals and 13 assists in 26 games with the Americans. As of late, Asplund has been on a tear. Since February 11th, Asplund has recorded one goal and five assists in seven games. You can expect Asplund to remain in Rochester the rest of the way unless another injury in Buffalo pops up. Josh Tessler
November 2019 – With the Buffalo Sabres a bit banged up, the team has recalled Rasmus Asplund from Rochester with the injury-bug catching Marcus Johansson and Vladimir Sobotka. The former second-round selection has been producing at a strong rate for the Americans. In 13 games played, Asplund has totaled one goal and seven assists. It is worth noting that seven out of his eight points in the AHL this season have come at even strength. Expect Asplund either to center the fourth line or sit in the press box. At the moment, the Sabres have Johan Larsson plugged in on the fourth line, but Asplund does provide more upside. Josh Tessler
March 2019 – In his first year since moving from Sweden, Rasmus Asplund hasn’t adapted as well as expected, but still played out a decent season so far with 29 points in 61 games. As a speedy two-way player, Asplund creates a lot more chances than the scoresheet shows, but he needs to work on his goal-scoring ability to round out his offensive game after only six goals this campaign. Marcus Griep
August 2018 – The hard-working centre continued to truck along in his developmental path with his best season yet in the SHL, posing 28 points and nearly doubling his total from last year. Asplund will start the season off in the AHL with Rochester and can even challenge for an NHL spot as the year goes on depending on how well he produces with the team which means the future is bright for the 20-year-old Swede after signing his three-year entry-level contract on May 23rd, 2018. Marcus Griep
February 2018 – Still just 20 years old, Asplund is already competing in his fourth professional season in Sweden and is having a career year in the process. He’s already established highs in all offensive categories with seven goals and 20 helpers and is tied for sixth in the SHL among U24 players in scoring. With his contract expiring at the end of this year, look for the Sabres to get him over to North America. Brad Phillips
April 2017 – Rasmus finished strong during the 2016-2017 season and now it is being reported that he will be staying in Sweden for one more year to continue to develop. Ola Winther of hockeysverige.com has spoken with a Buffalo scout as well as Asplund’s agent and both agree another year in Sweden is key. Asplund potted six goals and 13 assists with Farejstad BK in 39 games. Max Marko
January 2017 – After injury set him back at the start of the season, Rasmus Asplund has begun to shine again in Sweden. An agressive two-way centerman, he is an excellent at face-offs and and pressuring the opponent down low. He flourished at this year’s World Junior tournament and was a steady playmaker on the offensive side of the puck. He finished the tournament at a point per game pace, with a goal and six assists in seven games. Max Marko
June 2016 – Hard working centre who competes for every puck. Asplund is known for his skating ability and work ethic, and his compete in and around the net. His defensive game has improved, which will help his chances of becoming a regular NHL pivot. His offensive game is consistent and can chip in as a second or third liner. Rasmus will play in Farjestad BK in the Swedish Elite League and could be a few years away from crossing the pond. Asplund played for Team Sweden at the Under-18 World Championship, Ivan Hlinka Tournament and the World Juniors. Asplund was Team Sweden’s captain in 2015 for the Under-18 team. Paul Zwambag