The NHL started to take notice of Lucas Raymond during the 2023-24 season. A season that saw Raymond’s numbers jump to 31 goals, 41 assists, 72 points. Taken 4th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Level Draft, Raymond’s impact would be felt almost immediately, and the young forward would go on to post solid rookie numbers. For all of his stats, Raymond is far more than that to the Red Wings, his all-around play has gone to the next level.

The word around the NHL is that Lucas Raymond is a fringe top 50 player at just 23 years old. With experts chiming in that Raymond has a real chance to become elite this season. Through 22 games played, the forward’s plus/minus is +5, in what might be the most telling stat as it pertains to his growth. Raymond’s expected goals above replacement is 60 (xGAR/60), which is more scoring than both Mitch Marner and Nikita Kucherov  when they were both 23 years old.

The reason it is important to highlight his xGAR is that it show the players actual performance rather than just having a good game. What also makes this particular stat one to key in on is that Raymond is solid. He has good defensive awareness, stick checks, and backchecking. His offensive game is where he shines and is starting to ascend his value and is turning heads.

How does Raymond stack up against Detroit Red Wings legends in the ability to be an elite forward? The young forwards’ numbers are favorable in comparison to Steve Yzerman, Gordie Howe, and Marcel Dionne, the trio of Red Wings legends, all scored 100 goals before they turned 24 years old, currently, Raymond has 104 career goals, which places him in the conversation as one of the most prolific goal scorers in franchise history.

In terms of being a complete two-way player a fair comparison is Henrik Zetterberg, a player who was trusted in all three zones helping protect leads, being on the ice for penalty kills, matching up on the top line with top players around the league that is what the Red Wings are doing with Raymond not only is he responding but is excelling at playing all three zones.

For all that he has accomplished and numbers he has put up, it feels like Raymond has more to give, as it seems he has not come close to his ceiling which, when he does get close to his ceiling, Raymond will be a 90- 100 point player. The Red Wings seem to have found a solid complementary player in Emmitt Finnie to play on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Raymond. Previously, that role was filled by Alex DeBrincat. Finnie, who is a rookie, brings a different edge to the top line. He is tough on and off the puck and is very good at fighting for pucks on the boards. This has led to goal-scoring opportunities for Raymond.

As Raymond continues to develop, it is becoming clearer, he is a very good two-way player who is on the cusp of being considered one of the best in the NHL. The Red Wings were wise in giving him a contract extension, an eight-year $64.6M extension with an AAV of $8.075 which is very team-friendly given Raymond’s production. If he continues on his current trajectory, the contract will be a very good bargain for the team.

Lucas Raymond is made for playoff hockey. His speed, hockey IQ, and other intangibles suggest he will shine when the Red Wings end a nine-year playoff drought. He is the type of player who is capable of carrying the team for stretches, which is another reason he will have playoff success.

The NHL has taken notice, and Lucas Raymond is mentioned in part reverence and part fear by teams for good reason. The young player is on the cusp of being among the league’s most elite players.