MLive’s Ansar Khan filed an article discussing the challenges which Lucas Raymond faces in terms of making the Red Wings’ roster as the exhibition season progresses:
“The challenges are going to get greater and greater as the exhibition season goes along, so he’s got to continue to make a big impact as the lineups get better and better.” Coach Jeff Blashill said.
Raymond had a goal and an assist in Thursday’s 6-2 victory over Buffalo while playing on a line with Pius Suter and Robby Fabbri. Then he made two terrific seam passes on the power play in Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Columbus to set up goals by Dylan Larkin and Joe Veleno.
“He’s got confidence, he’s got a swagger to his game,” Larkin said. “He’s a smart headsy hockey player and he waits and waits, and then it’s right on your tape. He is going to be a special player. I think he’s got a great attitude about the game. He loves hockey, loves making plays like that. And I think his game is very responsible where he’s going to earn trust from any coach he plays for.”
Raymond will make the season-opening roster only if he is logging a decent amount of ice time on one of the top three lines – if not top two –and playing on the power play. Otherwise, he will start with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, but likely would be the first forwards recalled.
“It’s something he can make a statement on, his power-play plays,” Blashill said. “He’s a guy who I think ultimately can be a real good power-play player. He’s got to keep proving it. Part of being able to make seam passes is somebody probably screwed up at the other end, but he’s got good deception. He hit people on the tape. All he can do is face the challenges he’s facing and so far, he’s doing a good job.”
