It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. As September approaches and the kids dust off their backpacks, hockey season is just around the corner. There’s been plenty of news throughout the summer including a couple of offer sheets that made waves over that last little bit. Now, we move onto the Detroit Red Wings and their restricted free agent situation. We previously discussed two RFAs, and we are here to update one of them, and discuss a third RFA.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Updates on a Couple Detroit Red Wings RFAs
Rumour: The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta gives updates on a couple Detroit Red Wings RFAs. One is Lucas Raymond and the other isn’t Moritz Seider, rather Jonatan Berggren.
Touched on a few RFAs on @NHLNetwork a few moments ago. Here’s a quick recap:
– Bruins & Swayman seem confident a deal will be there for camp
– Jarvis & Canes sound close on long-term deal; maybe 7-8yr range around $7.5M AAV?
– Raymond & Wings not close; Berggren deal likely by…— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) August 26, 2024
Analysis: The first player to discuss, Raymond, does appear to deserve a big pay cheque. However, that isn’t something that has typically been easy to extract from Wings general manager Steve Yzerman. Yzerman does sign responsible veterans to deals, perhaps above market value, but those aren’t long-term. The fact that we aren’t here to discuss Seider, might be good or bad. Good in the sense that Raymond appears to be digging his heels in, so does that indicate Seider is not? Bad though, because at this point of the summer, you want news on your RFAs. Also, the update on Berggren is a positive.
What’s the Deal on Raymond?
Even though nothing is for certain, it does appear to be a monetary issue that has the two sides apart. Specifically, Pagnotta was reporting in these NHL rumours that a deal isn’t close. Raymond might also want a bridge-deal, whereas Yzerman would like a longer term deal. A long-term contract would hopefully save the Red Wings some dollars down the road.
There seems to be a consensus that there are comparable contracts out there to analyze for Raymond. One name in particular is Seth Jarvis, who Pagnotta also mentioned is looking for a seven or eight-year deal, in about the $7.5M average annual value range. That sounds like an amount that Yzerman might be hesitant to fork over, given his previous track record. Especially so, if Raymond thinks he is worth any more than that amount.
Comparing Statistics with a Comparable Player
Based on last season statistics, they are very similar offensively. Raymond had 31 goals and 72 points on 19.5 shooting percentage playing 17:45 a game. Meanwhile, Jarvis scored 33 times for 67 points on 18.8 shooting, playing more at 18:45. Situationally, the two are deployed slightly differently as Jarvis kills penalties, where Raymond does not. You can see it in their CF% Rel where Raymond had 11.8% and Jarvis just 1.1%. Moreover, in terms of offensive potential, Raymond likely has a higher ceiling at this point of their respective careers.
What About Other Winged Wheel RFAs for these NHL Rumours
As for Berggren, Pagnotta mentioned the two sides are close. This is good news for Yzerman and the Wings, as Berggren appears to be developing just fine. He had a decent 2022-23 in Detroit, with 15 goals in 67 games. Furthermore, which was likely the right call, he spent most of the season in 2023-24 in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The Wings couldn’t have expected much more from the now 24-year-old Swede, with 56 points in 53 games. Then, he continued that work with ten points in nine post-season contests. He’s definitely earned a role as a depth, scoring option in Detroit this season.
Based on these rumours, there’s not much specific to report, but somewhat left to the beholder. Raymond and Yzerman seem far apart, but a simple phone call could get the deal done. The fact that Seider’s name was not mentioned, is likely good news for Wings fans, as it seems the two sides wouldn’t be as far apart as Raymond’s camp. Finally, signing the young Berggren will be welcome news for Wings fans ahead of training camp. Of course, it is still good news, because there have been no offer sheets signed…yet.
Main photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
