Lucas Raymond was off of most people’s radar. (Actually, I think Sven was the only one who predicted the pick). It wasn’t as much of a surprise as Seider’s selection, but it wasn’t on the top of most fan lists. In fact, all three of Yzerman’s first selections have been met with at least some level of scorn. Seider quickly turned people’s opinions around, and it feels like Raymond could do the same.
I’ve talked, at length, about how Yzerman delivers his “state of the team”. He only mentions a few names each time, and whenever you hear a new name mentioned or notice one removed, it is telling. In his very first pressers, Larkin, Mantha and Bertuzzi were mentioned. Last season, Zadina, Hronek and Rasmussen were mentioned, and Mantha was moved for Vrana. (Vrana now being mentioned as a core player).
I’ve taken flack for it, but multiple GMs insisted that Yzerman gave three untouchables during last year’s trade deadline. Larkin, Seider and Raymond. Every time I repeat this, someone says, “you can’t say that Raymond is untouchable”. Listen, I’m not saying it. It was said to GMs.
In one of the last development pressers, Yzerman mentioned Raymond 3 times. He’s coming to North America in just his second year (unless something changed). There are even a few pundits who think he is going to shock fans and coaches at training camp. Honestly, he would have to steal a job with authority to be bumped onto opening night. It may be a long shot, but that’s his attitude. He’s coming in with more muscle and he’s ready to flex it.
Seider may have had an NHL job last season if the shut down hadn’t pushed things back. Instead, he went and had a head turning season in the SHL. Raymond’s numbers weren’t there, so I was surprised to hear a few people saying “look out” as Raymond gets ready for camp. Somewhere, there is a deep belief in what this young winger is bringing to the table.
Yzerman has signed three of four first rounders in his first three drafts. (Edvinsson not yet signed). Each time, the “scorn” seems to lessen a bit as he ignores the experts and does his own thing. I am going to spend as much time watching Raymond as I can this year. I think a Grand Rapids start is almost inevitable. The adjustment to ice, the adjustment to the style of play, and riding a bus with 30 empty pizza boxes and the smell of equipment is character building. Still, it’s exciting to see a player want to break out. Seider talked openly about people ripping him. “You were chosen too early, you’re overrated, etc”. He met the haters and earned defenseman of the year. If Raymond comes in with that same chip, it will at least be fun to watch.
Under the old regime, it was awful to watch a prospect (Nyquist/Tatar) out play top 6 guys and get sent down anyway. “Tie goes to the veteran” was the motto, but it wasn’t a tie. They were clearly ready. With Larkin, Zetterburg stood up and pushed for a change. Now, best player gets the job. Yzerman hasn’t been shy about putting people on waivers or promoting someone. This is a unique time in history where players can take a job. Whether it happens or not for Raymond, it sounds like he’s going to leave it all on the ice.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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