Detroit Red Wings Lock Up Lucas Raymond With Huge Deal

After much consternation in Motown about what was taking so long, the Detroit Red Wings have finally locked up forward Lucas Raymond. It's an 8-year contract with an $8.075 million cap hit.

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

The $64.6 million deal keeps the 22-year-old in Detroit through the 2031-32 season, when he'll turn 30. He'll have a 10-team no-trade clause for the last four years of the deal.

Raymond broke through last year in his 3rd season with a 31-goal, 41-assist season for 72 points in 82 games, while playing 17:45 per night.

He was the 4th overall selection in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, and began his career in promising fashion in 2021-22, scoring 23 goals and recording 57 points in playing all 82 games. He finished 4th in Calder Trophy balloting for top rookie in the league.

After a bit of a sophomore slump to 17 goals, he bounced back big-time this past season.

"I think coming into (this past) year I was maybe not as satisfied with my (sophomore season) as I wanted to be," said Raymond this summer. "I think just getting one year older, one year more mature on and off the ice, I think that helped a lot just getting the experience, getting to know your body and mind. It felt good. It was a good step."