The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan filed an off-day notebook discussing the promise displayed by one Lucas Raymond, the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for November:
“I’m not going to get ahead of myself,” [Red Wings coach Jeff] Blashill said. “He’s a good player, there’s zero doubt. He’s really smart. He plays the right way. He’s been able to produce while also playing the right way. That’s the biggest key. That’s why he’s been so transferrable. He doesn’t need to cheat to create offense, and so then he earns ice time.”
Raymond has 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points, in 24 games. The longest he’s gone without earning a point is two games. He’s had three, three-game point streaks. Raymond has thrived on a line with Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi (now out for the next 10 days, being in COVID-19 protocol), complementing each other’s strengths.
Raymond has accepted the responsibility of playing on the top scoring line, knows what is expected and appears to relish the pressure.
“I take responsibility in the offensive game,” Raymond said.
There is a sense of pride and responsibility over the entire ice, which has pleased Blashill and the coaching staff from the start.
“I’m trying to find my game and I’m still learning every day, trying to get better at areas that are my weaknesses,” Raymond said. “I’m just trying to be an offensive forward that you can count on defensively who plays hard every night, and still working and going to find my identity as it goes on.My main thing is just to skate hard every night.”
Continued (paywall)
