World Championships: Raymond stands out for Swedes
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard’s ejection at the World Championships tournament hinted at his upside to bring added physical presence to the Red Wings. Today, we’re looking at the continued rise of scoring wing Lucas Raymond. The world stage has seen another step forward in Detroit’s reconstruction.Â
Detroit’s 2020 first round pick is turning heads again. Lucas Raymond has 4 goals 6 assists in 8 games for Sweden. It seems like the right shot wing keeps stepping up.
Raymond solidified his spot in Detroit signing an 8 year extension last summer. The right shot wing made the team at 19 and hasn’t looked back. The point production is matched with a willingness to engage physically when needed.
Lucas Raymond is stepping out as the face of the Detroit Red Wings. Fans are increasingly excited about his skillset, and the world stage is taking note. The best, it seems, is yet to come for #23.
BUFFALO CONSIDERING TRADE FOR BOWEN BYRAM:
In 2019, Detroit had another round of lottery trouble. The team moved back to 6th and shocked the fans and pundits by selecting Moritz Seider. Two picks earlier saw Colorado take Bowen Byram.
Now part of the Sabres, Byram seems to be the odd man out. With a well stocked blue line on the left, the Sabres are exploring a trade. This should be a player Detroit is at least considering.
Byram is 2 years from UFA status. Estimates for an extension are coming in at 6m+ to get him through the RFA years. Any interested team would want to negotiate a long term deal, that could mean a tag similar to Moritz Seider’s 8.55m.
THE Price for Byram
The past season saw Byram play 22+ minutes per game. The pending RFA is expecting a raise on his  3.85m deal. The left shot defenseman recently changed representation. With UFA status around the corner, buying those years may come at a premium.Â
Price and competition will be the key issues. Columbus is willing to part with both of their first round picks. Detroit may be asked to part with an NHL ready prospect that Buffalo can insert into the lineup. With a need at center, that would likely be Lombardi or Danielson.
It seems safe to say that Marco Kasper’s rise in play has him off the table.  The 13th overall pick should be available, but the right forward will be tougher.  At this point, the Red Wings may be unwilling to part with the pieces needed to make this work.Â
The UFA market has some interesting names, but the trade market may be a stronger talent pool. Several teams will likely look at Bowen Byram. Acquiring the RFA rights and being able to negotiate a max term deal could enter into the discussion. It remains to be seen if Steve Yzerman can or would make that deal happen.
