EDMONTON, AB - JANUARY 02: Elmer Soderblom #25 and Lucas Raymond #18 of Sweden celebrate a goal against Finland during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship quarterfinals at Rogers Place on January 2, 2021 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
Detroit Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman selected Lucas Raymond fourth overall in the 2020 Entry Draft. In April, Raymond signed his three-year Entry Level contract with the Red Wings. It is expected that Raymond will make his North American debut next season.
Was Lucas Raymond a consolation prize in the draft, or is he the real deal?
Generational Entry Draft
The 2020 Entry Draft was loaded with top prospects. The Detroit Red Wings finished last in the overall standings. Detroit fans were furious when the Red Wings lost the draft lottery and slipped to fourth in the first round. Most hockey pundits had Lucas Raymond ranked as a top six pick. Steve Yzerman waisted no time when he selected Raymond from Frolunda (SHL).
Elite Goal Scorer
The Detroit Red Wings have been in dire need of elite offensive players. When Yzerman selected Raymond, he was selected ahead of two elite defense prospects who were selected immediately after the Detroit pick. Yzerman listened to his scouting staff and decided that Raymond had the makings of an elite forward.
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Back to Sweden
Lucas Raymond went un-signed after the draft. With a start date to the AHL and NHL uncertain due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Steve Yzerman decided to let Raymond play his second full season with Frolunda (SHL). Raymond didn’t see a lot of ice time, but still collected 18 points in 34 games. He also played for Sweden for the second time, in the World Junior Championships. He scored five points in five games before Sweden was uncharacteristically shut out of the medals.
Three-Year Entry Level Contract
In April, the Detroit Red Wings signed Lucas Raymond to a three-year Entry Level contract. This contract will begin with the 2021-22 season. His cap hit if he plays in the NHL is $925,000. If he plays for Grand Rapids (AHL) he will be paid $80,000.
Raymond will be making his debut in North America for the 2021-22 season. Will he spend more time in Grand Rapids or could he break camp right away with Detroit?
Where Should Raymond Play in 2021?
It will be interesting to see where he begins his professional career in the Detroit organization. Steve Yzerman likes his prospects ready to contribute in a big way once they reach the NHL. Raymond could begin in Grand Rapids (AHL) in order to acclimate to the smaller ice surface. If he shows in training camp that he belongs in Detroit, Yzerman will make room on the roster.
Prediction
My prediction is that Lucas Raymond will play in Grand Rapids to start the season. He will be playing with other top draft picks and players slightly older and stronger. If he shows that he dominates at that level, Raymond will move up to a top-six spot in the Detroit roster before the end of the season.
It should be fun watching Lucas Raymond develop into an elite player for the Detroit Red Wings.
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