In an article discussing Calder Trophy odds for NHL players, The Score’s Todd Cordell offers this take on Lucas Raymond’s opportunity to make the Wings’ roster this year:
Lucas Raymond (+2500)
The Detroit Red Wings are heading for yet another long season. They’re a bad hockey team and play in an unforgiving division, featuring the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and Panthers, among others.
Add in the fact one of their best players, Jakub Vrana, is already out long term with an injury, and the outlook for the Red Wings is even bleaker.
There’s always a bright spot, though, and Raymond is destined to be that for Detroit. Last season he averaged more than .50 points per game in the SHL, which is very impressive for an 18-year-old playing in a professional league.
The ultra-talented winger should step into Detroit’s lineup immediately and see plenty of ice. Developing youngsters like Raymond is priority No. 1 for the Red Wings. There’s even more opportunity to go around with Vrana out of the picture. If you want to take a stab on a wild card, so to speak, Raymond is the guy.
I don’t know if Raymond is going to step into the lineup right out of training camp, but when he’s ready, he’ll be ready to shine.
