MLive’s Ansar Khan filed a column this morning in which Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin discusses the mental makeup of one Lucas Raymond, Larkin’s linemate:
“He doesn’t seem like a 19-year-old to me. He’s mature beyond his years,” Larkin said. “I feel like when I was 19, I made a lot of mistakes. I was skating a thousand miles an hour and had a lot to learn. Lucas, it seems like he plays on the right side of the puck, he doesn’t cheat much, which is of big value here. He plays the right way, and he gets rewarded for it.”
Raymond in Sunday’s 6-3 victory at Chicago, became the youngest Red Wing to record a hat trick since Steve Yzerman in 1985 and joined Yzerman and Gordie Howe as the only players under 20 in franchise history to record four points in a game.
“Obviously, we know the caliber of player, what he did to get drafted so high (No. 4 overall in 2020) and what he did after the draft,” Larkin said. “It’s early, but what he’s done is impressive.”
Larkin praised Raymond’s attitude and demeanor.
“Even from Day 1, whether he was (going to play) in Grand Rapids or he was playing on our team, it didn’t really matter to him,” Larkin said. “He wanted to play in North America. He wanted to play pro hockey. I think he really believed in himself and believed whether it was this year or next year, 10 games, two months, whatever it was, he was going to have an impact on this team.
“He had a quiet confidence about himself. It was never cocky. He really believed that, and I think he continues to believe that. He’s very humble with the success he’s had. Like every player in pro sports, you have your ups and downs, that’s how you really get through that. You keep a level head through the high times because the low times are there as well.”
That was an excellent article about Lucas and Larkin. It really explains what this fan sees on and off the ice.
Sort of gets me revved up about the Wings future. Larkin is already a great captain, no surprise and Lucas has such a mature outlook on his future.
Great Read!!!