Earning a spot in the National Hockey League is no easy task, but Lucas Raymond is learning a little every day. After a rather disappointing 2022-2023 season, the Detroit Red Wings forward is looking to get back on his feet.
It was another difficult season for the Wings, despite a significant improvement in the table. Raymond, for example, was unlucky as a sophomore when he saw his offensive contribution drop from 57 to 45 points.
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As he becomes a restricted free agent for the first time next summer, the Swede will have to work harder.
“I feel like when you come in you’re young and you think you know everything. It’s the same when you’re 15 and convince yourself that it’s going to be easy. The next year you think, “Oh, I wish I knew that,” and the year after that it’s the same thing. “As long as you always want to learn and improve, I think that’s the best asset you can have,” Raymond said in an interview with NHL.com on Monday.
The left winger had no experience with North American hockey before 2021, but his adjustment was quick. At 21, he believes he has reached a certain level of maturity that could allow him to take a step forward next season.
“In the first year everything is new, everything is exciting. In the second year you retain this impression a little. I’m about to start my third year and now I have more experience and know how to deal with certain situations. I’m excited,” he assured.
Over the summer, Raymond worked hard to add muscle to his 5-foot-10, 180-pound body. Plus, he no longer plans to use his age as an excuse. After all, he already has 156 games in the National League and has been playing for the men since 2019.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re young, old or somewhere in between. You play the same game, you’re on the same ice. I’m young, but I’m here,” said the fourth overall pick in the 2020 draft.