Lucas Raymond's the Detroit Red Wings best player, hands down. Over these last two seasons, Raymond's transformed into a force opponents must reckon with, but in 2025-26, he should end up with Hart Trophy votes.
No, not top five or anything. But if Raymond's not one of the top 20 most valuable players to their team by the end of the season, something's wrong. And if he tops the 90-point mark, that's 10 more goals and 10 more potential difference-makers for the Wings in 2025-26 than what he had last season.
And what's more impressive about Raymond? All the time he spends in the offensive zone at even strength, despite just 45.9 percent of his starts coming from there. That's uncommon, when you consider how valuable of an offensive asset he is these days. But Raymond knows how to help move the puck and create chances for his linemates.
Raymond's Corsi For Percentage clocked in at 51.7 in that same situation, giving him something over 50 for the first time in his career. He also had seen on-ice shooting percentages in the double digits, even if his on-ice save percentages clocked in at a lower rate - 87.3 average.
But it goes beyond even strength. Raymond's also arguably the most incredible asset on the power play, as he was on the ice for a whopping 51 goals, nearly double the number as the season before. He even had more assists on the power play (29) than he had at even strength (24).
Lucas Raymond's the heart and soul of the Detroit Red Wings in 2025-26
I'd like to see more defense from Raymond, but ultimately, if the Wings are taking that next step, a lot of it rests on his shoulders. Yeah, Moritz Seider and Dylan Larkin, a couple other franchise cornerstones, are also responsible here, but Raymond's just now entering his prime years, and one more massive step forward will go a long way for Detroit's fastest-rising star.
What am I expecting? Give Raymond top-of-the-line minutes that'll exceed the 20-minute mark. And whoever's playing alongside him and Dylan Larkin on that first line, expect Raymond to elevate their game. Not saying he'll turn that player (Elmer Soderblom, Jonatan Berggren?) into a star, but they'll enjoy benefits of having Raymond skating alongside them.
Last year, we saw 80 points from Raymond, with 27 goals and 53 assists. And while I'm not one to make predictions, I'll go out on a limb here, and say Raymond gets 95 points, 35 goals, and 60 assists. Something he'll benefit from with the increased ice time.
And by 2026-27, I wouldn't be surprised a single iota if he's just one tier under names like Nathan MacKinnon and Company. Maybe not quite at their level, but close to.