The Red Wings’ rookie duo of Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider appear to be a hot topic this morning. NBC Sports’ Pro Hockey Talk’s James O’Brien discussed the performances of the Wings’ rookie duo as they apply to the pair’s respective Calder Trophy candidacies:
Lucas Raymond: At just 19 years old, and a rebuilding Red Wings team, Lucas Raymond was far from a lock to even remain at the NHL level this season. Uh, you can go further than penciling Raymond into the Red Wings’ lineup. Might as well use a permanent marker.
Through 20 games, Lucas Raymond’s just a hair under a point-per-contest (seven goals, 12 assists for 19 points). Raymond’s 19 points leads all rookies, making him a Calder favorite. Heading into Sunday’s games, only three other rookies were even above double-digits in points.
Even if you didn’t account for a better-than-expected Red Wings team, it’s impressive that Raymond tops his squad in scoring. But when you factor hot starts for Tyler Bertuzzi (17 points in 17 games) and Dylan Larkin (16 in 16), Raymond topping Red Wings scorers is that much more impressive.
Perhaps his shooting percentage is a little high (14.6%), yet it’s not totally out of the question that he’s just that skilled. Even Raymond’s possession stats are good, and not just for a rookie.
When the Red Wings selected Lucas Raymond fourth overall in 2020, many prospect-watchers raved. So far, that excitement looks justified — and sooner than expected.
Continued with praise for Seider of the Fancy Stats variety…
What has been great about Raymond is his lightning fast release. No wind up just bam and in. I hope they are working on Zadina and his release. He is much too predictable. We also saw this last week on a breakaway, no deke, no head fake, no drop shoulder wait and then shoot…..he just shot it into the goalie’s pads.