Lucas Raymond’s agent, Peter Werner, spoke with Hockeysverige.se’s Ronnie Ronnqvist today, and Raymond himself spoke with Goteborgs-Posten’s Johan Rylander regarding his situation. What follows is roughly translated:
Lucas Raymond’s wait for a super contract–still in Sweden
Ice hockey: In just over a week, the Detroit Red Wings’ season starts. But start Lucas Raymond, 22, is still in Gothenburg–waiting for the biggest contract of his life.
“I will not go over until the contract is ready,” he says.
Inside the small rink in Frolundaborg, two brothers sit and collect pucks. Lucas Raymond and his older brother Hugo have just lost the bet against the hired goalkeepers from Stenungsund and Alingsas–and the punishment is given.
The Raymond brothers have run a rough training session with a focus on goal shooting together with hockey coach Andreas Larsson–and there have both been sticks on the sidelines and push-ups as punishment.
But what on earth is the NHL star doing in Sweden?
He’s waiting.
Waiting for the Detroit Red Wings and agent J.P. Barry to negotiate a new contract–the biggest of his career.
“We’ve been talking for quite a while, so hopefully something decent will be done soon! Both parties want to make it happen, but we have to come to an agreement. When it will be remains to be seen,” says Lucas Raymond, shrugging his shoulders.
Aiming for a long contract–the biggest of his career
His goal, of course, is a long contract with the Red Wings–and there is talk of an eight-year deal at eight million per season. Dollars, that is.
“If we can agree on the distance, I’m absolutely open to it. If we can’t agree on that, then I’ll have to look at other options. But I think both parties want it. It will be an easier negotiation when the salaries are open and everyone knows what everyone has,” says Lucas Raymond.
Do you want to stay with the Red Wings?
“Yes, absolutely. I’m having a great time in Detroit. The organization, city.”
Raymond is not the only star without a contract–also Moritz Seider, the huge defender who played in Rogle, is without a contract.
And last week, the SHL-merited duo were together at a training camp in Mannheim, Germany.
“We’re somewhat in the same position–and it’s nice to have each other then. We’re such good friends that we talk all the time about how things are going,” says the Frolunda HC-raised forward.
But you don’t know when you’re leaving?
“Well, as soon as I sign, I’m going. But if it will be in a week, two or three…I don’t know! I am not involved in the negotiations in any way. I trust my agent J.P. Barry and have full confidence that he’s doing the best for me.”
You just want it to be good?
“Yes, of course. So it is for both parties. That we can find something where both feel satisfied and safe.”
What do you do once it’s signed?
“Then I get to play hockey again! I won’t go over until it’s done, anyway…
Practicing goal-shooting together with his brother
This week, Lucas Raymond trains on the ice on three occasions together with big brother Hugo. His theme is goal-shooting.
“It’s crazy fun! ‘Hugge’ and I are very close–it’s very nice to be on the ice together. He’s had problems with his shoulder, so it’s great to see him out there again!”
And you’re a bit faster than him, even though he’s in the shape of his life?
“I’m a little faster, ha ha. Let’s hope so…”
The brothers practice shots, puckhandling, turns–and most of the time it rattles behind the goalkeepers. Especially when Lucas Raymond is shooting direct shots.
“Since I’m still at home, I’ve been able to check on my brother. I saw, for example, when Gothenburg IK met Molndal last Sunday. That’s what’s fun, that I was able to spend extra time with the family. Being able to hang out with my brother and watch him play is something I don’t normally do…”
Goteborgs IK took the step up to second last winter–and Hugo Raymond has been working hard to be in shape. In recent years, he’s worked as a personal trainer together with his mother Cecilia, and found top form.
“I had some problems with a shoulder, but it feels better now. So the idea is that I will play with GIK,” says Hugo Raymond.
Aims for the Tre Kronor–if he is selected
Lucas Raymond is, in turn, coming off his best NHL season of three–last winter he scored 31 goals and assisted on 41 other goals in 82 games played.
He might be selected for the large team that will play in the World Championship precursor NHL 4 Nations Face-Off in February, next year, and also plays in the Olympics in Italy in 2025.
“It’s clear that I want to be part of both the World Championship and the Olympics. It’s always awesome to play with the national team. These are fun tournaments. I have played in the World Championship, but then not all NHL players were there. I hope I will be chosen,” says Lucas Raymond, humbly.
