Seider and Raymond neck-and-neck through their first 50 games

In many ways, it’s been a season to remember for the Detroit Red Wings.

@Dylan Larkin is flying. @Alex Nedeljkovic has been a stabilizing presence in goal. @Tyler Bertuzzi has gone from being a key part of the team’s top line to the driver of the “Guelph Connection.” Even @Filip Zadina is beginning to find life.

However, without a doubt, the biggest takeaway from this Red Wings season has been the play of both @Moritz Seider and @Lucas Raymond.

Raymond and Seider rank first and second, respectively, in the National Hockey League’s rookie scoring race this season.

Seider, 20, leads all rookie defensemen with 34 points in 50 games (Anaheim Ducks blueliner @Jamie Drysdale sits in second place with 20 points).

Raymond, 19, has 39 points, although his 13 goals rank behind both Toronto Maple Leafs forward @Michael Bunting (15) and Nashville Predators forward @Tanner Jeannot (14).

Seider’s 29 assists, 22:48 ATOI, 15 power-play points, and two shorthanded points lead all first-year NHLers this season. Here at WingsNation, we’ve made the case that Seider deserves the Calder Trophy over the likes of Raymond and Anaheim Ducks forward @Trevor Zegras, who has 33 points in 43 games this season.

Both Seider and Raymond have two years remaining after this one on their entry-level deals (both of which carry sub-$1 million annual cap hits). They’ll return to the ice on Feb. 17 when the Red Wings take on the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

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