Detroit Red Wings: Lucas Raymond starting in the AHL makes sense
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Red Wings are working towards training camp, which means the prospect buzz will continue to pick up. One of the prospects to keep an eye on is Lucas Raymond, the team’s first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
The fourth overall pick from last year is heading towards a debut with the Detroit Red Wings; the question is when. After his season was cut short last year, Raymond underwent surgery and is looking to get back into things for the 2021-22 season.
His surgery was not expected to be major, but as this year approaches, he’s going to be vying for a spot on the Red Wings roster. The thing is, after coming off of an injury, even with a summer off, the Red Wings are going to need to see how things go.
The expectation is likely going to be that Raymond is heading to Grand Rapids to kick things off. There should be no shock with this; it’s a move that makes sense regardless of the team’s bottom-six forward situation.
Detroit Red Wings prospect Lucas Raymond is likely AHL bound.
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Last season, before sustaining his hand injury, Raymond logged 34 games where he had six goals and 12 assists for 18 total points overseas in the SHL with Frölunda HC.
He may not have been turning heads and lighting up the scoresheet, but he has the makings of a quality NHL asset.
The future hinges on his development, and time with the Griffins before making his Red Wings debut might just be the best thing for the Swedish youngster.
He’s going to make his debut eventually, and that’s probably during the 2021-22 season, but the beginning will be spent with the Griffins.
The Red Wings are going to be focusing on development for their top prospects, and Raymond should be at the forefront of this in the minors. There’s plenty to like with Pat Verbeek, one of Steve Yzerman’s right-hand men, overseeing things in Grand Rapids and working on player development.
Raymond starting his 2021-22 season in the AHL really is not that bad. It’s a move that makes sense and is likely for the benefit of Raymond’s development and future in the NHL. The Red Wings are going to be cautious with their youngsters and try to make sure they are all ready to preserve their rebuild.
They have plenty of talent making its way to Hockeytown; Raymond is just one of the top dogs, and having him start in Grand Rapids is best for him, the Red Wings, and the longevity of this rebuild.
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There’s going to be an upset crowd over this, but it truly does seem like the best move for the Detroit Red Wings and Lucas Raymond ahead of the 2021-22 season.