The Detroit Red Wings have a budding superstar in Lucas Raymond and I think he’s been kept a secret long enough. Here are a few reasons why the Detroit Red Wings already have the superstar they need.
I recently discussed whether the Detroit Red Wings truly need a superstar to succeed.
The responses were pretty predictable, with most people on Twitter agreeing that we do need a standout player. Many suggested we should focus on tanking for high draft picks or signing a major free agent to achieve success. I was pleased to see some fans highlighting promising prospects emerging from the Red Wings’ system—perhaps one or two could become the superstars we’re dreaming of.
Deep down, I was hoping for a consensus that we already have a superstar on our roster. After witnessing the development of one particular player with the Red Wings, I felt optimistic that we could all recognize and celebrate the incredible journey unfolding before us.
Unfortunately, that didn’t take place, so let me delve deeper into who our superstar player really is.
Detroit Red Wings have a rising superstar in Lucas Raymond
It’s surprising to me.
As I write this, Lucas Raymond ranks 18th overall in the NHL (technically tied for 17th with Quinn Hughes) with 51 points in 39 games played. To put it in perspective, he’s right behind Sidney Crosby, who also has 51 points but has played two more games (sure, he’s older, but it’s always fun to highlight the accomplishments of a rising star over “Sid the Kid,” right?), and just ahead of Sam Reinhart, who has 52 points in 49 games. He also surpasses notable players like Artemi Panarin (who has played two fewer games), Tim Stützle, and John Tavares, among others.
As a side note, our much-criticized captain, Dylan Larkin (often labeled not as a number one center for the team, getting older, and lacking the elite talent we need), actually has more points than Matthew Tkachuk, Nico Hischier, and Tavares, and is tied with Stützle at 33rd overall in the NHL with 45 points in 48 games.
Raymond’s scoring is quite well-rounded, too. He has netted 19 goals and added 33 assists, making it difficult for teams to limit him to either passing or scoring opportunities.
What’s even more exciting are the moments like the one we witnessed against the Montreal Canadiens last Thursday at Little Caesars Arena. Raymond produced what could only be described as magic on the ice. He moved so gracefully that he caught the attention of everyone on the opposing team, leaving Alex DeBrincat with a wide-open net. There was a goalie present, but like the rest of us, he was hypnotized by Raymond’s movements. I doubt DeBrincat has ever scored such an effortless goal in his career.
Lucas Raymond, what a PLAY – fooling everybody and setting up DeBrincat for the late period goal. 🚨 #LGRW pic.twitter.com/UiA8fo4ia0
— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) January 24, 2025
As much as I enjoyed witnessing Raymond’s incredible moves, I equally relished DeBrincat’s reaction. When the Detroit Red Wings are in sync, they’re a joy to watch on the ice.
It’s not surprising to Detroit Red Wings fans to see Raymond performing at such a high level, yet it feels like we’re the only ones really recognizing his talent. During national game broadcasts, while Moritz Seider, Dylan Larkin, and Raymond get some attention, it appears Raymond doesn’t get much acknowledgment outside of those discussions.
Why isn’t a top-20 point scorer under the age of 23 getting talked about more in the NHL? I can’t say for sure.
What I can say is that Raymond has achieved these point totals while moving between the first and second lines at the start of the season, adjusting to new coaching staff, and facing the toughest competition night after night, which makes his accomplishments even more impressive.
To further emphasize his case, Raymond begins 54.55% of his shifts in the offensive zone, while another high draft pick from the 2020 NHL Entry Level Draft, Stützle, enjoys 75.92% of his shifts starting in the offensive zone. Raymond is not only expected to push play away from his own end but also generate offensive opportunities once he moves up the ice. He has started 100 times in the defensive zone (compared to 59), made 146 starts in the neutral zone (versus 123), and has only 120 starts in the offensive zone, whereas others might have upwards of 186 starts this season.
I’m not claiming that Raymond is the best player from the 2020 NHL Entry Level Draft. What I’m saying is that there should be a conversation about him, and he’s earned a place in that dialogue, even if those outside the Detroit Red Wings fanbase overlook his value to the league.
He’s a player the Detroit Red Wings count on for consistent, high-level play (though the more I see, the more I’m inclined to label his performance as elite). His shot? Absolutely lethal. His playmaking? Extraordinary. And his defensive skills? Continuously getting better.
Raymond plays hard; he never cuts corners or takes breaks. He doesn’t dive or embellish, yet still manages to draw a fair number of penalties thanks to his determination and relentless pursuit of the puck.
Opponents frequently target both Raymond and Larkin, physically challenging him without mercy, but he handles it all well. Sure, sometimes he gets caught in the moment and reacts passionately, but rarely does he lose his composure to the point of taking dumb penalties.
I believe Raymond is on the brink of entering the elite tier. It’s only a matter of time before the rest of the NHL recognizes his talent, but in the meantime, I’m glad we can keep one of our best players out of the spotlight for a bit longer.
Neither he nor the Detroit Red Wings need the pressures that come with the spotlight on superstar players and the media frenzy that follows. For that reason, I think Raymond is perfectly fine staying under the radar. He doesn’t seek personal accolades or recognition; his focus seems solely on his team and winning. In my opinion, that makes him a true superstar.
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