Lucas Raymond skated at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg today, telling the Frolunda Indians’ website that he’s very happy to have joined an Original Six team–and that he’s pumped up for Thursday’s game vs. Brynas.
Raymond also spoke with Goteborgs-Tidningen, a.k.a. GT.se, this morning, and here’s a rough translation of his conversation with Hector Junelind and Marcus Wulcan:
Special Night: “Something you never get to see again”
GOTHENBURG. He describes it as a dream come true.
Lucas Raymond, 18, was selected fourth overall in the NHL draft by the Detroit Red Wings last night.
“It’s a special experience that you can never have again,” says Frölunda’s super talent to GT.
Lucas Raymond became the best Swede in this year’s NHL draft when he was selected number four overall by the Detroit Red Wings. Thus, Frölunda’s super talent could follow in the footsteps of several Swedish stars–Nicklas Lidström, Henrik Zetterberg, Niklas Kronwall and Tomas Holmström are some of those who have made an impression on the team.
“It is a dream come true. Many legendary Swedes have played there. I’m so happy and honored to be a part of the Detroit Red Wings,” Raymond said at a news conference after the draft.
The night was dizzying for the 18-year-old from Gothenburg.
When GT meets him in connection with Frölunda’s practice on Wednesday morning, he sums up his feelings.
“It was a special night, great fun and a special experience that you can never have again. Extremely cool!”
Is it nice to get it done?
“I have actually not thought about it that much, but it’s been a long wait. I’ve been waiting all summer, so somehow it’s a little nice to be able to put it behind me and move on. A new chapter awaits. “
“It’s been a little stressful”
The Detroit Red Wings are today a good distance from their former glory days. The team just missed the playoffs for the fourth year in a row.
How do you look at it?
– It is one of the “Original Six teams”, a cool organization where many Swedes have played. I’m hugely happy, it could not have been better. They are running a fresh start now and will try to get up again and it will be great fun to be part of that journey. “
What have they told you?
“We have not talked so much. There was a bit of congratulations and general talk yesterday only. We’ll talk more today and during the week.”
Have you heard from “Zäta” or “Lidas?“
“I actually have not had time to check. It’s been a bit stressful. I woke up this morning and had to hurry here. I haven’t been on my cell phone almost anything today.”
But how many SMS’s were there when you woke up?
“Oh, far too many, ha ha. I have to sit down and go through them when I get home.”
On Raymond’s physical transformation
GT has previously discussed Lucas Raymond’s physical transformation during the summer.
Like most players of a young age, the strength has been a priority for the 18-year-old this summer. He has built up his muscle mass and is several kilograms heavier.
“I have received great help from ‘Pärra’ (Pär Edlund, Frölunda’s fitness trainer), we have trained really hard and I have built a lot of muscle, he said at the end of the summer.”
Lucas Raymond says today that he already notices a difference on the ice.
“I have lost a few kilos and become much, much stronger in the gym. And I also notice that on the ice, which gives me confidence. I feel a big difference and have increased in all aspects of training.”
What do you take in bench press?
“That number stays with ‘Pärra,’ haha. But it’s good, it’s real.”
