Lucas Raymond Sends A Clear Message To The Team Before Leaving For The Off Season
Photo credit: NHL.com
Lucas Raymond is frustrated with the Detroit Red Wings as they go another season with significant postseason play, but Todd McLellan and GM Steve Yzerman have to build a team that can push beyond a wild card spot in 2025.
Lucas Raymond was interviewed during exit day, where he expressed his frustration with the Red Wings' predicament. The team would finish 6th in the Atlantic Division, and come close but not secure a wild card spot in the East.
The team ended 2024-2025 with a 39-35-8 record, and Raymond wasn't shy to express his disappointment.
This year, the 4th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft scored a total of 80 points (27 goals, 53 assists). He'd be a fixture on the team's first line and was one of the Wings'' best forwards.
Who will now have to sit on the sidelines and watch the Montreal Canadiens get thumped by the Washington Capitals nightly in the 1st-round.
80 Point Season
The most notable quote from here is not only his sentiment that he feels he's capable of doing more, considering he took another step personally in his production.
This year, he jumped from a 72-point season in 2023-2024 to 80 points, and still felt like he had more in the tank to give.
Accountability
Todd McLellan preaches accountability, and Raymond mentioned that during his media break-up day in Hockeytown.
He felt it was a positive force for the team, but instead of just McLellan holding them accountable, he felt like the team themselves should be able to police themselves first in order to drag themselves out of the dumpster they're in.
These are just two key pieces for Raymond, who believes that they're close to making it to the playoffs, and feels they're making the right moves toward it.
But the missing piece in all of this? GM Steve Yzerman.
The lack of talent in the top-six and blue line is startling, and could be to blame for their lack of competitiveness this year.
For now, Raymond is preaching to the choir, but at least he's passionate about the Red Wings' future.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 24 | 173 ANSWERS Lucas Raymond Sends A Clear Message To The Team Before Leaving For The Off Season Do you think forward Lucas Raymond, a Detroit Red Wing, can break 100 points next season? | ||
| Yes | 144 | 83.2 % |
| No | 29 | 16.8 % |
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