Although there is a lot going on in the NHL right now, there isn’t specifically a ton going on with the Detroit Red Wings. They’ve loaned a few players out to European teams to keep their legs under them, and Steve Yzerman has inked Robby Fabbri to a new 2-year deal, but it seems Detroit fans are still most excited to see who Steve Yzerman and Kris Draper are going to select in the NHL Draft this year.
Losing the NHL Draft Lottery and getting the lowest possible pick the Red Wings could get was a massive bummer for all Detroit fans who were hoping that Alexis Lafreniere could revitalize the Red Wings and give a future face to Detroit sports. It’s important not to dwell on what could have happened though because the last time the Red Wings had the fourth overall pick it worked out pretty well (Steve Yzerman in 1983).
Over the next few weeks I’ll be taking an in depth look at the prospects who should still be available at 4th overall for the Red Wings to select this year.
Just an update for those who don’t already know: The draft was scheduled to take place on June 26-27 but due to complications from Covid-19 it has been rescheduled and will be held virtually from October 9-10. As previously discussed, the Detroit Red Wings will have the 4th overall selection.
First up:
Lucas Raymond
Birthdate: March 28, 2002
Place of Birth: Gothenburg, Sweden
Age: 18
Height: 5’10
Weight: 170 lbs
Position: Left/Right Wing
Shoots: Right
2019-2020 League: Swedish Hockey League (SHL)
2019-2020 Team: Frölunda HC
2019-2020 Stats: 10 Points (4 G, 6 A) in 33 GP
Final NHL Central Scouting Ranking: #4 among European Skaters
Analysis: Raymond has a great release on his shot, can read plays very quickly, and has great patience when attacking the net. More importantly, he’s great at knowing where he has to be when the puck isn’t on his stick which allows him to create space for his other teammates on the ice.
He has great acceleration once he gets buzzing but due to his size and frame, he is easily knocked off the puck and out of the play. Players can bulk up and put on mass to fix this issue which is something Raymond will have to do if he wants to succeed.
For what he lacks in size though, he makes up for in Hockey IQ. Hockey sense like his can only be taught to a certain degree and Raymond’s hockey IQ is far and above that of most players his age which makes him dangerous whenever he’s on the ice.
NHL Comparisons: Mitch Marner, Brayden Point
Stats:
Highlights:
Who do you think Detroit should take in this years draft? Leave your thoughts in the comments below and make sure to come back to check out more draft profiles of players who could put on the Winged Wheel come October 9th that include:
Cole Perfetti
Jamie Drysdale
Marco Rossi
Alexander Holtz
Jake Sanderson
Anton Lundell