Detroit Red Wings players Lucas Raymond (Sweden) and Moritz Seider (Germany) are headed for the 2026 Olympics in Italy. Several more Detroit players could follow when the various national teams select their full rosters.
FACES OF THE REBUILD
Detroit continues to build the team through drafting and development. Rudy Guimond’s performance in the QMJHL is a testament to that process. The impact of a dedicated vision in drafting became evident in the 2019 NHL draft.
As Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman heads to the draft, his 2019 debut returns to mind. The reaction to Moritz Seider’s selection at sixth overall seemed to shut down the room. The player’s reaction was even more memorable.
Most fans didn’t have Seider on their radar. That quickly changed the following fall. At training camp, the German defenseman was more than comfortable on ice. He was already leading.
To see a rookie talk to veterans during play is special. To see them direct traffic and take control is almost unheard of. Seider began to lay the foundation for exceeding expectations. His second contract for seven years at 8.055 million dollars AAV signaled his high stock in Detroit.
Lucas Raymond’s trajectory to Olympics
Lucas Raymond’s selection at fourth overall in 2020 was questioned by many fans. In his first season, there were reports that he was already seen as a non trade candidate. That sentiment was questioned until his second season.
At just 19 years old, it became clear that Raymond would be headed to the NHL for the 2021-22 season. His first season saw 23 goals and 34 assists. There was a regression in the second year to 17 goals and 28 assists. Year three cemented Raymond’s status with 31 goals and 41 assists.
That third year performance earned him an eight year deal with 8.075 million dollars annually. Raymond and Seider had obtained the highest second contracts in recent memory. Both players eclipsed 8 million dollars. Both players are key parts of the rebuild.
THE OLYMPIC STAGE
It’s hardly a surprise to see Raymond and Seider invited to represent their countries. It feels inevitable that Marco Kasper will get the call to join Austria at the games. Those three players have emerged as Detroit’s now and future core.
Raymond had an impressive run representing Sweden at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World tournament. He accumulated five goals and six assists in 10 games. The Olympics will be another opportunity to make an impression.
Seider averaged a whopping 24 minutes per game for Germany in the tournament. His calling card seems to be defensive zone starts and high ice time. The dispatching saw his offense limited to just one assist. It’s no doubt he hopes to add to his offensive tallies in the upcoming year.
Detroit’s strength is coming through the youth. As prospects become NHL players, the vision for the club is clear. Draft and develop has always been at the heart of the “Yzerplan”. To see those players make an impact on the world stage brings hope that better days are ahead for the Red Wings.
