Lucas Raymond is turning into a legitimate star for the Red Wings
Playing in his 4th year in the NHL, Lucas Raymond took a major step forward last year and is developing into a bonafide star for the Red Wings.
Detroit Red Wings fans everywhere (and the organization itself) had every right to feel angry when the team fell to 4th place in the 2020 NHL Draft Lottery despite owning the worst record in the league by far.
Detroit's record in 2019-20 when the schedule was stopped in March due to the outbreak of COVID-19 was the worst since the expansion Atlanta Thrashers of 1999-2000.
The New York Rangers, who made the playoffs that year, won the Lottery and used it to select Quebec Major Junior Hockey League forward Alexis Lafreniere, whom many Red Wings fans had pictured donning the Winged Wheel sweater.
With the 4th pick, the Red Wings took Swedish forward Lucas Raymond, and Detroit's falling back in the Draft Lottery so far turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Raymond has emerged as a budding star for the Red Wings and is on pace to reach over 90 points in his 4th year in the NHL.
He had his true coming out party last year, reaching 72 points (31G, 41A), perhaps none more exciting than his game-tying and game-winning goal in the final home game of the season against the divisional foe Montreal Canadiens.
Right now, Raymond is on pace for 92 points at just 22 years of age.
With 23 points in his last 16 games, only Boston Bruins star forward David Pastrnak has more points since Detroit made the coaching change from Derek Lalonde to Todd McLellan on December 26.
