Under the guidance of head coach Derek Lalonde, the Detroit Red Wings are set to lean more significantly on young stars Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider in the upcoming NHL season. Both players, crucial to the team’s core, are expected to embrace elevated roles, particularly in leadership capacities.
This shift comes amid changes within the team’s hierarchy, especially after the departure of David Perron who signed with the Ottawa Senators in July. The Red Wings have historically rotated three alternate captains, which included Andrew Copp, Ben Chiarot, and Perron, under the leadership of captain Dylan Larkin.
However, before any new leadership roles are solidified, both Raymond and Seider must negotiate new contracts as they currently stand as restricted free agents. Despite the ongoing contract discussions, Coach Lalonde remains unfazed, keeping communications open and focused on team goals rather than contractual details, which are handled by General Manager Steve Yzerman.
Yzerman, confident in securing their signatures, remarked previously that the signings would be accomplished “in due time.” Financial speculations by Evolving-Hockey suggest Seider could agree to a six-year deal with a $7.687 million annual cap hit and Raymond to a seven-year contract at $7.766 million per year. The team has the cap space to accommodate these figures, with about $17.65 million available.
Moritz Seider, a 23-year-old defenseman and 2022 Calder Trophy recipient as the league’s top rookie, has proved indispensable. Last season, he amassed nine goals and 42 points across 82 games, leading the team with an average ice time of 22:22 per game. Remarkably durable, Seider has not missed a single game in his three NHL seasons and consistently surpassed the 40-point mark.
Lucas Raymond, two years into his NHL journey at age 22, is also showing signs of becoming an elite forward. Achieving a career-high of 31 goals and 72 points last season, Raymond particularly shined during the crucial playoff chase, scoring 14 goals and totaling 21 points in the final 22 games.
Drafted sixth overall in 2019 and fourth overall in 2020 respectively, Seider and Raymond are central to the Red Wings’ blueprint for returning to playoff contention. Despite the team’s extended postseason drought—missing the playoffs for the last eight years and narrowly losing out on a wild-card spot last season—there is a palpable sense of hope that these young talents could herald a new era for the franchise.
