The Athletic’s Max Bultman posted a set of roster projections for the Red Wings coming out of the exhibition season–given their 3-and-1 record after 4 preseason games played–and here’s what he has to say about one Lucas Raymond:
[Dylan] Larkin made specific note of Raymond’s seam passes on the power play, saying, “A couple times I was waiting for them and he didn’t, and then, sure enough, right when I was open the most, he hit me.”
So while the caveats about the level of competition apply, the impression Raymond has made through two games has still been real.
Whether it leads to a roster spot is yet to be decided. Clearly, he’s not in the projection above, and that has everything to do with our recent look at where things stood. I have a hard time going away from that kind of evidence when making these projections.
But if Raymond continues to take strides in these preseason games, he’ll make it hard on the Red Wings not to keep him.
“He’s got confidence; he’s got a swagger to his game,” Larkin said. “He’s smart. He’s a smart, headsy hockey player. He waits and waits, and then it’s right on your tape. He’s going to be a special player, I think. And I think he’s got a great attitude about the game. He loves hockey, he loves making plays like that, and I think his game is very responsible where he’s going to earn the trust of any coach he plays for.”
Continued (paywall)
