Raymond ready?

[bbfl1987]

How do we feel about his chances of sticking with the Wings for this season? From what I’ve seen, I feel like he could slide into a top 6 spot and do well.

[Stalinism]

I think he's at a point where the Wings have to at least give him a 10 game demo

[rangerdanger]

I think he's at a point where the Wings have to at least give him a 10 game demo

Yea. But that Wings team is SO bad and the roster so roomy, I just think he has a very good chance to make it. Who's going to be keeping him off the ice? Zadina and Fabbri? Unlikely. All though, I have not seen him play recently, so I would certainly be curious to hear from those who have if he is up to snuff yet. But everything Ive read or heard about him otherwise, makes me think he has a very good chance of making the roster and sticking. There are 4 roster spots in that top 6 I think, that Raymond, even right now, might be an upgrade over the sitting player. Which is damn good opportunity.

Do you have to like decide now if he has to come off one of those prospect positions or something? I assume you are keeping him regardless.

I am actually looking to buy him in keeper and dynasty now, because I doubt he will ever be less costly than right now, which isn't exactly cheap. That at least suggests others are similarly high on his chances.

On a side note, I am staying away or trying to trade away Zadina. I just don't think he's a long term top line guy, probably more of a middle 6 guy. And I think it's only a matter of time before he's pushed down the depth chart a bit, to the 2nd or maybe eventually even the 3rd line.

[Daydream Nation]

Yea. But that Wings team is SO bad and the roster so roomy, I just think he has a very good chance to make it. Who's going to be keeping him off the ice? Zadina and Fabbri? Unlikely. All though, I have not seen him play recently, so I would certainly be curious to hear from those who have if he is up to snuff yet. But everything Ive read or heard about him otherwise, makes me think he has a very good chance of making the roster and sticking. There are 4 roster spots in that top 6 I think, that Raymond, even right now, might be an upgrade over the sitting player. Which is damn good opportunity.

Do you have to like decide now if he has to come off one of those prospect positions or something? I assume you are keeping him regardless.

I am actually looking to buy him in keeper and dynasty now, because I doubt he will ever be less costly than right now, which isn't exactly cheap. That at least suggests others are similarly high on his chances.

On a side note, I am staying away or trying to trade away Zadina. I just don't think he's a long term top line guy, probably more of a middle 6 guy. And I think it's only a matter of time before he's pushed down the depth chart a bit, to the 2nd or maybe eventually even the 3rd line.

While I agree with just about everything you wrote, Detroit is likely to do what is best for Raymond's development not what helps the team this season. With a strong camp, I could see him getting a few games at the start of the season and then being sent to Grand Rapids and then brought back later in the season. As a Raymond owner I hope he blows the doors off and makes it impossible for them to send him to the AHL but that would surprise me. Sounds like he was the best Red Wing (no Seider) in Traverse City.

[YzermansLegacy]

He's definitely 'ready' imo. But to Daydream's point - I too think Stevie will do what they think is best for his long-term dev. Maybe that's in the NHL... but I think more likely it's the A for 'most/chunks' of the year.

He's one of my faves and the guy I most wanted them to draft @4 in 2020... so am loving to see him emerge early!

[Bubba55]

The Wings are notorious for brining their prospects along slowly and Stevie Y has lived most of his "hockey life" in that environment. Things are not likely to change, Raymond will not be thrown under the bus IMO. He may hang around for 9 and then back to the AHL. He'll likely be front and center when a call up is needed. I like the Wings rebuild but the fruits of Stevie Y's labours will not be evident for another year or two.

[rangerdanger]

He's definitely 'ready' imo. But to Daydream's point - I too think Stevie will do what they think is best for his long-term dev. Maybe that's in the NHL... but I think more likely it's the A for 'most/chunks' of the year.

He's one of my faves and the guy I most wanted them to draft @4 in 2020... so am loving to see him emerge early!

I agree mostly and see everyone's point about Stevie Y. But Raymond legit could be a rare case of a player too good and too ready to be held back. I do think he will spend some time in the A this year. But I have a gut feeling, with this Wings team being so terrible, with such a lack of talented wingers, that he will end up finishing the season with the Wings. Who's really going to hold him back? Certainly not Fabbri or Zadina.

And I think Stevie Y is one of the best out there. He will know the difference between a player who genuinely needs more development time and a player who would produce right off the bat given the Wings lack of talent. And Larkin sure as heck needs some help. Zadina just isn't cutting it as his "best" winger.

[Feenom]

Yzerman will do the right thing. Bringing up Raymond for the entire season just hurts your chances of doing a full tanking. Give him a good look, say he was awesome then send him to the AHL. With Vrana out for some time, it's a great opportunity for management to really look at what they have. But I feel Raymond is a guy they can afford to leave in the minors and let him simmer. Basically this season can be used as an 82 game training camp.

[Belexus75]

We have no idea if he is ready tbh…we need to see him in some action to make this determination…same can be said about Holtz. Bothe these guys started great in SHL last year then WJC came, most of Swedish players got COVID and these two have not been the same for rest of the season…if it was their draft year they would both drop quite a bit just like Raty did.

Holtz ended season in AHL and started training camp strong…same can not be said about Raymond…I’m not convinced either play past 9 games but if had to bet I would put my money on Holtz …

So, who knows but if I need to say one way or another I don’t think he plays much this year

[KingCanuck]

He looked great tonight

[hockeyrobot]

Yzerman will do the right thing. Bringing up Raymond for the entire season just hurts your chances of doing a full tanking. Give him a good look, say he was awesome then send him to the AHL. With Vrana out for some time, it's a great opportunity for management to really look at what they have. But I feel Raymond is a guy they can afford to leave in the minors and let him simmer. Basically this season can be used as an 82 game training camp.

I agree this is the route they'll take. Sliding a Fabbri into Vrana's spot will only boost his trade value and hopefully get some more assets in return.

[hockeyrobot]

Another 2 points from Raymond tonight. I'm getting excited.

[bbfl1987]

Another 2 points from Raymond tonight. I'm getting excited.

Me too!!

[Daydream Nation]

Sounds like he has made it very tough for Yzerman to send him down to the AHL. As a Raymond owner, I am quite pleased with his preseason.

[hockeyrobot]

Raymond has made the Wings.