Erik Rasmussen (ice hockey)

Erik Rasmussen
Born	(1977-03-28) March 28, 1977 Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Occupation	Professional ice hockey player
Years active	1997–2009
Known for	NHL player for Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils

Erik Wayne Rasmussen (born March 28, 1977) is a former American professional ice hockey athlete.

Early life

Originating from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rasmussen earned acclaim in 1995 by receiving the prestigious Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award, which honors the state's leading high school hockey player each year. Following this achievement, he competed for two seasons in NCAA Division I hockey representing the University of Minnesota.

Career

In the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, Rasmussen was chosen seventh overall in the first round by the Buffalo Sabres, establishing him as a highly regarded prospect. His professional career included playing for the Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, and New Jersey Devils. During the 2007–08 season, he played with the Lowell Devils, New Jersey's American Hockey League affiliate.

For the 2008–09 season, Rasmussen signed with Porin Ässät, a team competing in Finland’s premier league, the SM-liiga. Throughout 31 regular-season appearances, he tallied one goal alongside eight assists. Ässät concluded the regular season in 12th place and subsequently faced Vaasan Sport in relegation playoffs. Rasmussen contributed nine points over 13 playoff and relegation matches, including scoring in the critical seventh game that ensured Ässät retained their position in the SM-liiga.

Regular season and playoffs

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International

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1992–93	St. Louis Park High School	HS-MN		23	16	24	40	50		—	—	—	—	—
1993–94	St. Louis Park High School	HS-MN		18	25	18	43	80		—	—	—	—	—
1994–95	St. Louis Park High School	HS-MN		23	19	33	52	80		—	—	—	—	—
1995–96	University of Minnesota	WCHA		40	16	32	48	55		—	—	—	—	—
1996–97	University of Minnesota	WCHA		34	15	12	27	123		—	—	—	—	—
1997–98	Rochester Americans	AHL		53	9	14	23	83		1	0	0	0	5
1997–98	Buffalo Sabres	NHL		21	2	3	5	14		—	—	—	—	—
1998–99	Rochester Americans	AHL		37	12	14	26	47		—	—	—	—	—
1998–99	Buffalo Sabres	NHL		42	3	7	10	37		21	2	4	6	18
1999–2000	Buffalo Sabres	NHL		67	8	6	14	43		3	0	0	0	4
2000–01	Buffalo Sabres	NHL		82	12	19	31	51		3	0	1	1	0
2001–02	Buffalo Sabres	NHL		69	8	11	19	34		—	—	—	—	—
2002–03	Los Angeles Kings	NHL		57	4	12	16	28		—	—	—	—	—
2003–04	New Jersey Devils	NHL		69	7	6	13	41		5	0	2	2	2
2005–06	New Jersey Devils	NHL		67	5	5	10	32		9	0	0	0	8
2006–07	New Jersey Devils	NHL		71	3	7	10	25		11	0	0	0	14
2007–08	Lowell Devils	AHL		26	2	3	5	14		—	—	—	—	—
2008–09	Ässät	SM-l		31	1	8	9	60		—	—	—	—	—

Year	Team	Tournament		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1996	United States	WJC		6	0	1	1	16
1997	United States	WJC		6	4	5	9	4
2002	United States	WC		7	0	1	1	2
Junior career totals				12	4	6	10	20

Awards and honors

Distinction	Season
All-WCHA Rookie Team	1995–96