A prototypical stay-at-home defenceman, Rouse was drafted in the 4th round, 80th overall, in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota North Stars. After playing parts of six season with the North Stars, Rouse was traded to the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline of the 1988–89 NHL season in the deal that also sent Dino Ciccarelli to the Capitals. His steady and tough style of defensive play helped guide the Capitals to their first semifinals appearance in 1990. In 1,061 NHL games, Rouse had 37 goals, 181 assists, and 1,559 penalty minutes.