Newly acquired Detroit Red Wing Alex DeBrincat is dominating the Detroit sports headlines. And for good reason. While it is all but a foregone conclusion DeBrincat will be on the Red Wings top line with captain Dylan Larkin, there is a player that could benefit from the arrival of DeBrincat. While he had a downturn in production and missed time due to injury last season, this player looks to be the Red Wings “X-Factor.” This is Lucas Raymond.
Lucas Raymond the Red Wings “X-Factor”
Some might say Lucas Raymond suffered a bit of regression last season. While this may appear true, a deeper dive shows a slight dip in numbers that could very well be attributed to a combination of injury and the rest of the league having game film on him as well as the need for strength. As a rookie, Raymond scored 23 goals and 34 assists for 57 points. These are solid numbers in 82 games played. Last season, Raymond’s numbers were 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points in 74 games played. This was eight fewer games than his 2021-’22 rookie season.
The Red Wings felt Raymond was better suited for the NHL as opposed to the AHL which may have contributed to the dip in numbers. However, that is unlikely given his stellar rookie season. Lucas Raymond is focused on bulking up a bit more this offseason as opposing players knocked him off the puck a fair amount. He will also look to improve in the corners.
Where Raymond Fits
With DeBrincat now in the fold, Raymond should slide onto the second line where there will not be as much pressure. Young players tend to have bumpy sophomore seasons so if you are a believer in “sophomore slumps” you could insert that with Raymond’s sophomore season. The other reason for sliding Raymond to the second line is simple. He is a goal scorer and could really help breathe some life in the Red Wings second line.
Many are saying how the Detroit Red Wings power play will improve with DeBrincat now slated for the top unit. This is where I will insert Lucas Raymond. Along with Dylan Larkin and DeBrincat, this should help bring the power play to life a bit more and strike some fear across the league. In no way shape or form should anyone expect Raymond to fail to rebound and show that he is a core member of the Red Wings going forward.
The Red Wings second line could lineup as Raymond- J.T. Compher– Klim Kostin. The Red Wings will count on this largely improved line for added scoring. Raymond would get a lot of looks with the puck. Even more so than if Detroit put him on the top line with DeBrincat who they brought in for his scoring prowess. This would be ideal for Detroit as people expect Raymond to bounce back strong and put up numbers closer to or better than his rookie season.
Why the X-Factor?
Raymond is a natural goal scorer and has someone like Alex DeBrincat to glean off of. Additionally, the Red Wings and Raymond want him to bulk up. These reasons put Lucas Raymond as Detroit’s “X-Factor” this season. Should he bounce back, there is no reason to think otherwise. Raymond will be a key to the Red Wings 2023-24 season. Fans should fully expect him to rise to the occasion as the Red Wings look to stay in the wild-card and playoff race a bit longer this season.
Lucas Raymond could have a breakout season this year. The talent around him is better and the Red Wings will count on him to bring scoring to his line. Due to this, there is no reason to believe he will not take a big step forward.
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
