Young Gun Raymond Locks Up Long-Term Future with Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings secured a key piece of their future on Monday, signing young forward Lucas Raymond to an eight-year, $64.6 million contract. The deal carries an average annual value of $8.075 million.

The 22-year-old Raymond, a restricted free agent, enjoyed a breakout season in 2023-24. He led the Red Wings in scoring with a career-high 72 points (31 goals, 41 assists) and established himself as a force on the power play with six goals. His defensive contributions didn’t go unnoticed either, as he tied for second in takeaways on the team.

“I want to keep scoring more, of course,” Raymond said in May, acknowledging his ambition. “But I’m still young and developing. I’m focusing on getting stronger and keeping my shot and skating sharp. I know I have a lot of room for improvement.”

Drafted fourth overall in 2020, Raymond has already amassed 174 points (71 goals, 103 assists) in 238 games. This new contract signifies the Red Wings’ confidence in his talent and their vision for him as a core player for years to come.