The post Sweden Gives Raymond The Spring Hockey Red Wings Can’t appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.
Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn ImagesBrian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images
Until the Detroit Red Wings are ready to deliver some playoff hockey for him to play, Lucas Raymond will always be answering the call of his homeland.
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He’s back with Sweden, preparing for yet another IIHF World Championship. It’s become an annual spring ritual for Raymond, which is certainly a problematic situation for the Red Wings faithful.
If Raymond is crossing the Atlantic Ocean to don his skates in the spring, it means that once again, postseason play isn’t part of the Detroit landscape.
Raymond recently finished his fifth NHL season with the Red Wings. He’s about to suit up in his fourth successive World Tourney.
Raymond longs to play important games in the spring. Until Detroit delivers some to him, he’ll never turn down the opportunity to play those games wearing the jersey of Tre Kronor.
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“Of course, that’s why you play hockey,” Raymond told Swedish website Hockey Sverige. “You want to play in these meaningful games, play in the playoffs, and play to win something.
“Unfortunately, I haven’t been in that position with Detroit, and that’s something you’re eager for, to play in those kinds of games.”
Red Wings Raymond Wouldn’t Consider Turning Down Sweden
After a long NHL season and suiting up for Sweden in the February Winter Olympic Games, no one would’ve given Raymond a bit of grief were he opting out of the Worlds. That’s just not who he is, though.
“I think that every time you get the chance to be part of a national team and represent Sweden, it’s a huge honor,” Raymond said. “It’s nothing to take for granted.
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“I’d rather play in the Hockey World Cup and represent Sweden in such a big tournament than sit at home and train. It’s going to be really fun, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Hallam Knows That Raymond Means Business
Swedish national team coach Sam Hallam insists that Raymond’s presence lights a spark in the Swedes. The numbers Raymond has posted on the world stage certainly support that thesis.
His 1-8-9 totals at the Milan-Cortina Olympiad led all Swedish scorers. He had a point in all five of Sweden’s games. Raymond’s eight assists were the most by a Swedish player in the Olympics since 1960.
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Over the past three World Championship tournaments, Raymond’s account shows 11-17-28 totals in 28 games.
“He was in the mood to play right away when he came here, that’s clear,” Hallam said. “I am incredibly happy that he is willing to make this journey with us again.
“He’s going to be a very important player for our team, both for who he is as a person and what he does on the ice. We know what we both want very much. There is one thing, and that is to win the last match.
“That is what drives both him and me.”
Until that opportunity comes for Raymond in Detroit, he’ll never refuse the chance to live that dream playing for his homeland.
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The post Sweden Gives Raymond The Spring Hockey Red Wings Can’t appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.