Which Red Wings Players Are “Untouchables”?
By Evan Mead
Forward, Lucas Raymond
Lucas Raymond started the season as one of the hottest players in all of hockey. Which, being a rookie, was incredibly impressive. However, we all knew that it wasn’t exactly maintanable.
The Detroit Red Wings season, although a dissapointment, showed signs of being really good and that was due to Raymond and the talent he displayed. With his speed, shot, passing, power play talent, the stardom was undeniable. But, that doesn’t answer why I feel that he should be listed as “Untradeable”. So, let me go ahead and answer that for you.
Lucas Raymond was drafted sixth overall by the Detroit Red Wings out of Sweeden. Generally speaking, when you are drafted with the sixth overall pick in the NHL entry draft, you are a talented player with a lot of upside. Which, is why I always feel it’s important to let the players really develop before rushing them in to the NHL.
Raymond played one season in the AHL before making his first apperance in the NHL. In his first month in the NHL, there was no debate in who was going to win the Calder trophy. He was on fire with his scoring. Additionally, he was able to display elite playmaking ability which complemented his linemates of Larkin, Zadina, Veleno, and all the other names that he played with.
Letting a player who already displayed top line talent and potentially superstar talent would be a huge mistake by the organization. Raymond will one day, and one day soon, be a superstar in this league, he just needs the players around him to complement his game.