The Detroit Red Wings delivered an impressive victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs this past Saturday, and it wasn’t just a lucky win. The team earned it against one of the NHL’s top powerhouses, showcasing their ability to compete with the league’s elite. Despite the lingering doubts around their rebuild, roster, and coaching staff, the Red Wings proved they can still hang with the best. While some fans remain skeptical about their progress, this win demonstrated that the Red Wings aren’t the same team they were last season, and there’s potential for more success to come.
What made the victory even more remarkable was the ending of the game. With less than a minute left and the Red Wings leading 3-2, the team’s lineup on the ice showcased a blend of youth and experience. Dylan Larkin, J.T. Compher, Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, and Lucas Raymond were the players tasked with closing out the game. Notably, three of these players—Larkin, Seider, and Raymond—were first-round picks made by Steve Yzerman. This is a testament to the effectiveness of Yzerman’s draft strategy, as these young players are already contributing significantly to the team’s success.
While some fans criticize the so-called “Yzerplan” and question the lack of a true superstar prospect, the performance of these young players speaks volumes about the team’s future. In just a few short years, Raymond, Seider, and Edvinsson have established themselves as core contributors, which is impressive considering none of them were drafted higher than sixth overall. Raymond, in particular, was the fourth overall pick in 2020, and his performance is showing that Yzerman’s selections are already paying dividends. This speaks not just to the effectiveness of the first-round picks, but also to the depth of talent the Red Wings are developing.
Beyond those standout players, the Red Wings’ broader roster continues to impress, with players like Jonatan Berggren, Michael Rasmussen, and Joseph Veleno all contributing. While not every player may meet the lofty expectations some fans have, it’s hard to deny that these players are still on NHL rosters, which in itself is a significant accomplishment. Even players like Filip Zadina, who left the organization, have found success elsewhere, proving that Detroit’s scouting system is finding success both during and after Yzerman’s tenure.
As the Red Wings look forward to the future, much of the attention will be on the development of Lucas Raymond. With the team now riding a positive momentum wave, Raymond’s evolution continues to be one of the most exciting narratives to follow. Although some critics may claim the Red Wings don’t have a “superstar in the making,” I firmly believe that Raymond could eventually reach that level. While he may not match the point totals or global recognition of stars like Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews, Raymond’s skill set and hockey IQ suggest that he could reach superstar status in his own right.
Raymond’s potential is made even clearer by the opportunity he’ll soon have to represent Sweden at the Four Nations Face-Off. He will be surrounded by some of the best Swedish forwards in the world, including William Nylander, Elias Pettersson, Filip Forsberg, and Mika Zibanejad. While he may not be playing on the same line as these stars, the experience of being around them and learning from their game will be invaluable. The exposure to world-class talent will only further elevate Raymond’s game, giving him a unique edge moving forward.
Even if Raymond doesn’t factor highly into Sweden’s lineup initially, just being part of the tournament will push him to become a better player. Already, Raymond is a versatile player for the Red Wings, often used in various situations to help jumpstart struggling lines. He’s becoming known as a “Swiss army knife” for head coach Derek Lalonde, able to step into multiple roles and contribute wherever needed. This flexibility and well-roundedness have made him one of the team’s most important players.
According to advanced metrics from Money Puck, Raymond is having an impressive season. He ranks third on the team in expected goals (8.1) and leads the Red Wings in primary assists with 10. Additionally, he’s drawn the second most penalties (22) and is second on the team in shooting percentage (19%). His ability to generate offense in a variety of ways is helping the team significantly, and it’s clear that Raymond is becoming one of the driving forces behind Detroit’s resurgence.
Despite his impressive numbers, one question remains: Could Raymond eventually shift to center? While it’s unclear whether this is in his future, his contributions as a winger have been invaluable to the team. The Red Wings also have talented prospects like Marco Kasper and Nate Danielson, who can fill the center role, meaning Raymond’s versatility can be used to maximize his impact on the wing. Whether as a center or winger, Raymond’s future looks incredibly bright, and his ongoing development will be crucial to the Red Wings’ success moving forward.
In conclusion, the Detroit Red Wings’ victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs was more than just a lucky win—it was a statement. The young core, led by players like Raymond, Seider, and Larkin, continues to impress and grow into a competitive force in the NHL. As Raymond prepares for his international opportunity with Team Sweden, the excitement surrounding his potential only grows. With his impressive numbers and evolving game, Lucas Raymond is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young players in the NHL, and his future in Detroit looks incredibly promising.