Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde expressed that he is not concerned about Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider remaining unsigned. Both players are restricted free agents (RFAs) and their lack of contracts has raised some anxiety among fans, given their significance to the team.
Despite the upcoming training camps, Lalonde remains unfazed. “I’m not worried,” he told The Detroit Free Press. “It’s all part of it. I’ve had some experience with RFAs before; it’s part of the process.”
While general manager Steve Yzerman handles the contract negotiations, Lalonde mentioned he has maintained communication with both players, discussing topics unrelated to their contracts. “I’ve talked with them two to three times during the summer, and we don’t even talk about the contract,” he noted. “That’s between Steve and them. Our focus is on progress and building, and those two are crucial to that.”
Last season, Raymond played all 82 games, scoring 31 goals and providing 41 assists for a total of 72 points. He was drafted fourth overall by Detroit in 2020. Seider also played 82 games, contributing 9 goals and 33 assists for 42 points, and was selected sixth overall in the 2019 NHL draft.
Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde has expressed high praise for Lucas Raymond, highlighting his impressive performance this season. After a challenging previous year, Raymond has rebounded strongly, demonstrating significant improvement and consistency on the ice.
Lalonde noted that Raymond arrived at training camp in better physical condition, having added muscle, which has contributed to his more aggressive style of play. This season, he has been a key player for the team, especially during a stretch when teammate Dylan Larkin was injured, where Raymond excelled, scoring seven goals and providing an assist in eight games.
Raymond’s contributions have not only been offensive; he has also shown a willingness to engage physically and make plays in tough areas. His achievements this season include setting records for the Red Wings and leading the league in points among players under 22. As he approaches restricted free agency, Lalonde’s confidence in Raymond’s abilities suggests a promising future for the young forward within the organization.
Since his rookie season in 2021-22, Lucas Raymond has been a vital contributor to the Detroit Red Wings’ offense. Last season marked a significant breakthrough for him, as he achieved career highs in goals, assists, and total points, leading the team with 72 points.
Coach Derek Lalonde noted that Raymond dedicated considerable effort during the offseason to elevate his performance. “He discovered something in his offseason last year; he returned looking like a different athlete,” Lalonde remarked. “Part of that is his maturation process—he’s still quite young, and his body has naturally developed. The goal now is to continue building on his successes from last year.”
Raymond is expected to secure a contract in the range of $7 to $7.5 million.
Derek Lalonde believes that Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond are poised to take on greater leadership roles within the Detroit Red Wings. He anticipates that both players will become key figures in the team’s leadership structure, especially with the departure of veteran David Perron.
Lalonde emphasized the importance of their contributions to the team, stating that their roles are expected to expand as they continue to develop. He mentioned that discussions about their leadership potential took place over the summer, signaling a commitment to fostering their growth in this area as they enter their third and fourth seasons, respectively.
Despite the Red Wings’ acquisitions of two-time Stanley Cup champion Vladimir Tarasenko and the return of Patrick Kane, coach Derek Lalonde believes that Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider will emerge as leaders for the team.
“Those two will have an increased role in our leadership,” Lalonde stated. “We discussed this with them over the summer.”
The Red Wings missed the playoffs last season, marking a continued absence since the 2015-16 season. However, general manager Steve Yzerman is optimistic about the team’s chances this year. “If we stay healthy, have good goaltending, and some players exceed expectations, we could make the playoffs. We might even miss by just a point in the final game of the season,” Yzerman noted.
Detroit is set to begin its 2024-25 NHL season at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 10.
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