Detroit Red Wings draft forward Lucas Raymond fourth overall
By Zach Laing
3 years agoThe Detroit Red Wings have selected forward Lucas Raymond fourth overall in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Raymond, 18, stands at 5’10” tall and 183 lbs. and is considered to be one of the best forward available in the draft. The right-shot winger played in 33 games with the SHL’s Frolunda HC last season scoring four goals and 10 points playing less than 10 minutes a game as a 17-year-old.
In the J20 SuperElit league last year, he scored three goals and 14 points in nine games.
The Göteborg, Sweden native scored two goals and as many points in seven games last year during the World Juniors.
“Growing up, I was always the go-to guy with every team I played on and got to play huge minutes,” Raymond told The Detroit News. “Coming into this year and not getting the same role in a men’s league was extremely valuable for me. You have to really fight for a spot and earn every minute of ice time. That was a big lesson.
“If you look at the stats and ice time, it looks like I didn’t create something,” Raymond added. “But if you watch me play, the times I got on the power play and earned a regular shift or extra big-time minutes, you’ll understood it more. I’ll do everything I can, every practice, every game to make the lineup and be a productive player.”
Here is what some scouts have said about Raymond:
A very well-rounded and highly skilled winger. Raymond is blessed with exceptional hockey sense. Furthermore, he has terrific hands, great speed and fine work ethic. Plays with plenty of intensity and battles hard for the puck. A nightmare to play against with his forechecking and puck-stealing ability. He also plays a strong two-way game and is a capable penalty killer. Offensively, he has a strong wrist shot and excellent vision. Few weaknesses overall and is a player that doesn’t wait for the play to happen, but the one that generates the play and make things happen.
Brings a well-rounded skill set to the table. Makes plays in small areas and isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty. … Tough player to nail down based on limited opportunity in the SHL. … Good hands, can play fast, has excellent creativity and playmaking ability. … Against his peer group, Raymond is elite. … Speed burner who has high hockey IQ that lends itself to fine playmaking.
An explosive winger who is equally dangerous with his shot or pass. Moves with quickness and handles the puck at a high-level even at top speed. His puck skills are fluid, controlled and capable of embarrassing. Finishes with accuracy off of a quick release. Capable of converting from all over. Possesses that rare trait of escapability. The lack of deployment this year has dampened the hype, but his skillset demands attention.
On Twitter: @zjlaing
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