Detroit Red Wings: Prospect Lucas Raymond makes opening night roster

The Detroit Red Wings have announced their final roster for the 2021-22 season, or at least for the start. One of the exciting storylines is that prospect Lucas Raymond made the team out of training camp.

After a strong showing in Detroit Red Wings training camp and the preseason, Raymond was able to carve out a roster spot and will find himself in the NHL. The former fourth overall pick did not seem as if he was going to start in the NHL during the 2021-22 season.

Raymond, a product of Sweden, still has plenty to prove, but the fact that he made the team should be exciting for many. The playmaking forward will look to earn a spot on the Red Wings roster for the long-term, and it seems like he may be here to make a name for himself.

If Raymond can slot in as a top-six forward early and catch on quickly, there will be a lot to be excited about. Originally, the scoring touch seemed like it may have been lacking over in the SHL last season, but it looks like he may be alright during the 2021-22 season.

Detroit Red Wings prospect Lucas Raymond makes the roster.

In 2020-21, Raymond was over in the SHL, where he logged 34 games, scoring six goals and adding 12 assists to collect 18 points. He also participated in the World Junior Championships, where he had two goals and three assists for five points over five games played.

His season was ended early, though after an arm injury forced him to need to get surgery. After that, he would focus on recovery and getting healthy for the prospect tournament, training camp, preseason, etc., with the Red Wings.

The Red Wings were ultimately impressed with Raymond and think he can make the jump to the NHL after playing in the SHL last season and recovering from his injury. Raymond has the tools to be a future stud for the Red Wings.

The question is if he will be able to latch on and find success right away. However, there are some outlets that think Raymond is in the conversation for the Calder Trophy for the league’s best rookie, which could very well mean that many analysts believe he can make the smooth adjustments to the game at the highest level.

The Red Wings are opting to let Raymond strut his stuff, and if he plays on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi, it could be beneficial. Playing on the top line for a few shifts early on might be the way to get him some high-impact ice time, rather than burying him on the third or fourth line.