Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen offers a profile of Lucas Raymond this morning, noting that the young Swedish winger’s production is on par with some pretty impressive company:
Raymond, 23, is on a path to be among the best Swedes to ever play in the NHL. He scored twice Saturday (for his 11th multiple-goal game) to help the Red Wings down the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3. He’s the fifth-youngest Swedish player at the time of his 100th career NHL goal, behind Mats Sundin (22 years, 56 days), Tomas Sandstrom (23 years, 50 days), Filip Forsberg (23 years, 93 days) and Gabriel Landeskog (23 years, 130 days).
“He puts the work in, whether it’s during practice, or off the ice,” Kane said, “finding ways to better himself. He’s been really impressive since I got here.”
Now in his fifth NHL season, Raymond is as important as anyone on Detroit’s roster. For the Red Wings to improve offensively, his continued growth as a player is essential.
“I think he’s just progressing every day, every game,” Kane said. “Obviously, each year I’ve been here, he just gets better and better.”
From the moment McLellan returned to Detroit last season, he has appreciated Raymond’s competitiveness.
“He’s a fiery guy,” McLellan said. “I didn’t know he was as evasive with the puck — how he can pick his way through shot is tremendous. He’s learning how to be a real good leader and he commits to the defensive side of the puck.”
