The Detroit Red Wings have secured left-winger Lucas Raymond with an eight-year contract extension averaging $8.075 million annually. This move comes shortly after the team signed Jonatan Berggren to a one-year deal worth $825,000. Raymond’s extension is significant as he was one of the two key free agents the Red Wings needed to re-sign, with defenseman Moritz Seider being the other. This development might suggest that a contract for Seider could be imminent.
RAY IS HERE TO STAY
The #RedWings have signed Lucas Raymond to an eight-year contract with an AAV of $8,075,000. pic.twitter.com/Z0QHtO9K1R
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 16, 2024
With Raymond’s new contract, the Red Wings have $8.748 million in salary cap space for the 2024-25 season, according to Puckpedia. General manager Steve Yzerman’s decision could prove valuable as Raymond continues to develop. The team has filled 22 of 23 roster spots for the upcoming season, with training camp set to start on September 19th.
Raymond has shown durability in his early career, missing only eight games over three NHL seasons. Last year, the Gothenburg, Sweden native achieved a career-high 31 goals and 41 assists, totaling 72 points—three more than team captain Dylan Larkin. Despite his standout performance, the Red Wings missed the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year.
At just 22, Raymond will be with the Red Wings during the prime of his career. Both Raymond and Seider are seen as foundational players for the franchise’s future, and with Raymond’s long-term deal secured, attention now turns to locking in Seider. Raymond’s impressive performance last season highlights his importance to the team, which not only needs to make the playoffs but also advance further in the postseason with him on the roster.