Lucas Raymond has become a key figure for the Detroit Red Wings, consistently producing offensively since being drafted fourth overall in 2020. Now in his third consecutive season with at least 60 points, Raymond’s steady performance is a hallmark of his approach to the game.
“It’s a lot of games, so to score a lot of points and be an offensive guy in this League, you got to be consistent,” Raymond said last week. “It’s one thing that I try to have an emphasis on. Some nights you have it and some nights you don’t, but you need to find ways to contribute.”
Since joining the NHL for the 2021-22 season, Raymond has accumulated 314 points from 117 goals and 197 assists over 376 games. This season, through 56 games, he leads the Red Wings in assists (41), total points (60), and power-play points (22). He also serves as a full-time alternate captain for the first time.
“I like my all-around game a bit more this season,” said Raymond. “Obviously, as you play more years and get more comfortable in this League, you figure out your game. You learn more about what to do to be successful on a consistent basis. I think the biggest thing is 5-on-5 this year. I think I’ve gotten a lot more 5-on-5 scoring, which is good.”
Raymond’s influence extends beyond statistics; his understanding of hockey and presence in the locker room have contributed significantly during Detroit’s Centennial season.
“He’s wearing an ‘A’ for a reason,” head coach Todd McLellan said. “He has enough experience now, both good and bad, in a Red Wings jersey to be able to figure things, moments and the team’s heartbeat out. He’s done a pretty good job of that, but then his game on the ice comes into play…We’ve been encouraging him to shoot a little bit more. I think we need to see that after the [NHL’s Olympic] break, but he’s doing a terrific job of setting up his teammates and them capitalizing. We’ll expect a lot from him when he gets back.”
McLellan noted that while Raymond usually leads by example as an emotional competitor from Gothenburg, Sweden, managing that intensity can sometimes be necessary: “Sometimes we have to harness that too,” McLellan said. “He can get frustrated and it can affect him and others, but it also drives the team sometimes. There’s a good balance of a little bit of everything from the Cs and As, but the auxiliary guys that are supporting side-by-side if you will.”
At just 23 years old, Raymond values being seen as one of Detroit’s leaders: “It’s an honor,” he said about being alternate captain. “You take a lot of pride in it. With our team we have so many leaders both with older guys and guys that are still early in their careers as well which is a good mix. It’s very easy on this team to lead and do that in your own way…I think that’s probably one of our biggest strengths — everyone can lead in their own way.”
Raymond will soon represent Team Sweden at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026: “It’s going to be an awesome experience and it’s an honor to represent your country on stage like that,” he said.
The Detroit Red Wings were established in 1926 as one of six original teams competing in the National Hockey League (official website). The franchise represents Detroit, Michigan (official website), playing home games downtown (official website). Over their history they have secured eleven Stanley Cup championships (official website)—the most among American-based teams—and maintain their reputation for excellence within professional hockey (official website).
“It’s going to be even more important [after returning from Olympics]…but I feel good,” Raymond added about managing himself through busy schedules this year.
