For as long as the Tri-City Americans are in the WHL playoffs, Red Wings fans will be forced to follow them with split interests.



On one hand, Detroit’s top prospect, center Michael Rasmussen, has been on a tear for the Americans. He’s posted 24 points in eight playoff games, and the Red Wings would surely love to see that continue from 2017’s ninth-overall draft pick. On the other, the AHL playoffs will begin this week — which means if the Americans are eliminated early enough, Rasmussen could head to Grand Rapids and try his hand against a whole new level of competition.



These are the internal conflicts of April. The Red Wings are done for the year, but over in Grand Rapids, part of the team’s future will be playing in a playoff atmosphere for as long as the Griffins can keep winning.



Grand Rapids won’t start its first-round series until Saturday, though, which leaves some time before we know with certainty which...