Per ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski’s “Bold Predictions” for all 32 teams:
Lucas Raymond has his breakout
How many times have we seen this with a great young offensive player: solid rookie season, slight step back statistically and then BOOM in Year 3? Raymond had 23 goals and 57 points in 82 games as a 19-year-old rookie but saw those numbers fall to 17 and 45, respectively, as a second-year player, with his ice time dipping as well. A lower-body injury was a factor, but so was the sophomore slump.
Dylan Larkin said Raymond had “a chip on his shoulder” after last season, and the young winger had a strong summer of training to add muscle to his frame. To put in Detroit terms: I like the engine in this year’s model.
Continued (paywall)
