What Are the Expectations For Lucas Raymond After Great First Season?

The Detroit Red Wings superstar, Lucas Raymond, is in the final stretch of his first season in the NHL. After being drafted in the 2020 NHL entry draft, and making his debut in the 2021-22 NHL season, he has really made his impact on this team.

I mean I don’t foresee anyone being able to say that Raymond doesn’t belong in this league. After being drafted a year ago, and then making his NHL debut, that alone goes to show how talented of a player he is. But what should we expect from him heading into the 2022-23 season?

Lucas Raymond was considered a top prospect in the 2020 NHL entry draft. After being selected fourth overall by the Detroit Red Wings, and watching him play this past season, it’s understandable why he was a top prospect.

Corey Pronman of ‘The Athletic’ has an article out there pertaining to the current day star. In that article, he breaks down what the Red Wings are getting in Raymond, and it’s safe to say that even he knew that he’d be a star. In fact, he even took the time to write out that his skill level is right up there with former first-overall pick, Alexis Lafreniere. Which, is a terrific compliment.

When looking at what he did well this season, there are so many different things you can name:

How about the fact that he produced top tier numbers for a rookie? Or at least he produced more so than some former first-round picks that’s for sure. Or how about the fact that his playmaking ability allowed chances from all areas of the ice? Or how dangerous he could be on breakaways due to his speed?

But what can we expect from him heading into year two? After all, it’s known as the ‘second-year standout.’