The Detroit Red Wings have locked up a piece of their core with a long-term contract.
The Red Wings announced the signing of RFA Lucas Raymond to an eight-year, $64.6-milllon contract on Monday.
Raymond is a cornerstone player for the current Red Wings rebuild. Taken fourth overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, Raymond is the only top-five player the Red Wings have drafted since 1990. That lofty selection came with expectations and Raymond’s breakout season last year showed he has what it takes to meet them.
Raymond led the Red Wings in scoring with 72 points last season and was second on the team with 31 goals. He turned up his play down the stretch, scoring 14 goals and 21 points in Detroit’s final 22 games as the Red Wings came within a tiebreak of snapping a playoff drought that dates back to 2016.
In three NHL seasons, Raymond has 71 goals and 174 points in 238 games, trailing only Tim Stuzle for scoring in his draft class.
The Red Wings had three unsigned RFAs with training camps set to open earlier this week. Earlier Monday, the club came to terms with depth forward Jonatan Berggren on a one-year, $850,000 contract. Still unsigned is Moritz Seider, the 2022 Calder Trophy winner and the team’s most important defenceman.
On September 23, 2021, Lucas Raymond, the highly touted prospect for the Detroit Red Wings, signed an eight-year contract with the team. The deal is worth a reported $38.4 million, making it one of the largest contracts ever signed by a rookie in the NHL.
Raymond, who was selected fourth overall by the Red Wings in the 2020 NHL Draft, has been turning heads with his exceptional play in the Swedish Hockey League. In the 2020-2021 season, he recorded 18 points in 34 games for Frölunda HC, showcasing his skill and potential as a future star in the NHL.
The 19-year-old forward is known for his speed, skill, and hockey IQ, making him a valuable asset for the Red Wings as they continue to rebuild and develop their young core of players. With his signing, Raymond joins a promising group of prospects in Detroit, including Moritz Seider and Filip Zadina, who are expected to play key roles in the team’s future success.
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman expressed his excitement about signing Raymond to a long-term deal, stating that he believes the young forward has the potential to be a cornerstone player for the franchise. Yzerman also praised Raymond’s work ethic and dedication to improving his game, qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well as he transitions to the NHL.
Fans of the Red Wings have high hopes for Raymond and are eager to see him make his mark on the team. With his talent and potential, there is no doubt that he will be a key player for Detroit for years to come. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, all eyes will be on Lucas Raymond as he looks to help lead the Red Wings back to playoff contention and beyond.