The Detroit Red Wings drafted Swedish forward Lucas Raymond with the 4th overall selection in the 2020 Draft last year, and they’re banking on him eventually being a major part of their future.
And so far in exhibition play, he’s shown that he can play in the National Hockey League. Having already scored in his unofficial NHL debut last week against the Buffalo Sabres, he once again demonstrated his on-ice prowess last night against the Chicago Blackhawks. With a slick assist that was soon followed by an absolute top-shelf snipe past goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, Raymond is playing a key role in the boosted power play so far in exhibition play.
“Some guys are flashy and talented and don’t play efficient hockey, meaning create more than they give up,” Blashill said. “And I think (Raymond) takes what’s given. And ultimately when you take what’s given, you’re creating offense without giving up a whole bunch, and so he’s done a good job of that. I thought he played good tonight, it was a pretty good lineup Chicago had. They had some real defensemen out there, and I thought he did a good job. So he met the challenge well.”
He’s made his case to be part of the 23-man roster that will be hitting the ice at Little Caesars Arena on October 14 against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Should he continue making an impact, management will have a decision to make in the near future – especially considering that the team has already lost one of their top offensive weapons in Jakub Vrana for the next four months following shoulder surgery.
“I just try to play my best,” Raymond said after the game. “Focus on my game and control the things that I can control, and then it’s up to the staff to decide. But I’m just trying to make as much impact as I can and play as good as I can. Try to do the things that I can have control over.”
– – Quotes via The Athletic Link – –
