It’s hard to criticize the Detroit Red Wings right now. The team is off to an exceptional start, but why not dig into an area of “concern.” I throw the quotes on that because it’s an area that may not be super concerning now, but folks will start to worry after a while.
Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond is expected to be a big piece of this Red Wings offense. He’s in year three and still working to find his scoring touch at a consistent rate. He was exceptional in his rookie campaign and was the fourth name in the Calder Trophy finalist talks.
Year two was a bit different. Raymond had a slight “sophomore slump” last year. In 2023-24, the Red Wings’ offense is firing on all cylinders, but Raymond’s scoring touch is not quite there, but it will come around. He made some changes this off-season and is going to prove himself.
No one should fret this early. Razor will start finding the back of the net; after all, he’s coming close to doing so. In the last few games, he’s put together some good scoring chances but has been able to see one cross the goal line. Heck, in the overtime loss to Seattle, Raymond rang one off the post in overtime, mere seconds before the game-winner was scored on the other end of the ice.
Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond will come around.
The Red Wings youngster has still produced through the first seven games of the 2023-24 season. He’s got a goal and four assists for five total points on the year. He may only have one tally, but there’s more in the tank.
Doing some math, Raymond is on pace for 58ish points on the season if he plays all 82 games and continues at the current pace. A million factors will change that projection around, but it’s good to see the production from Raymond.
The goals will come around and be a byproduct of this renewed Red Wings offense. Raymond has the scoring touch, and he’s shown that he just needs to settle in. We have not even reached the 10% mark on the very young season; Raymond’s offense is in the tank; it’s just yet to be shown.
If he continues to produce scoring chances, the puck luck will eventually go his way. Even if Raymond is not some 40-goal scorer, he can carve out a great career being a playmaker on the Red Wings top line.
After all, Raymond’s line is producing like wildfire. Alex DeBrincat is scoring goals left and right, and Dylan Larkin is red-hot to start the season. Raymond has a chance to benefit from playing with these guys.
Some folks were worried after Raymond’s regression in offense in 2022-23, but he’s got plenty of time to tally some goals and continue to be a massive piece of this Red Wings offense. Things are changing in Detroit, and Red Wings fans should enjoy the ride.