The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan filed an end-of-the-year article which discusses his top 21 stories of 2021, and the Red Wings’ dynamic rookie duo of Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider cracked his list:
5. Seider, Raymond headline rookie class: The Red Wings were anticipating contributions from rookie defenseman Moritz Seider and forward Lucas Raymond. But what the duo has provided has surpassed anyone’s expectations.
Raymond has 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 31 games, including an early season hat trick and a long string of deft passes during the season that make him a leading contender for the Calder Trophy (rookie of the year).
To win that award, Raymond will likely have to beat out Seider, who has been a tower of strength defensively, while also putting a forth an offensive game (three goals, 18 assists, 21 points) that was somewhat unexpected so early in his NHL career.
Raymond and Seider have shown savvy, aren’t awed by the NHL and play with a confidence and assurance beyond their ages.
The only comparable rookie is Trevor Zegras, who is having a breakthrough season in Anaheim with 25 points (eight goals, 17 assists).
Continued (paywall); my second-half storyline is watching Raymond and Seider hold off the massive Trevor Zegras Hype Machine…
