DETROIT – Lucas Raymond understands that making the Swedish Olympic hockey team is an honor that comes with some responsibility.
“It means a lot,” Raymond told Local 4. “As a young kid back home in Sweden growing up, you watch the Olympics every year. But I don’t think the magnitude of it will settle in until you’re there.”
Growing up in Sweden, he watched his home country win a silver medal in 2014.
Now, the Detroit Red Wings forward gets his chance to represent his home country with a chance to chase a gold medal.
“Some of the players that were on that (2014) team are with our team this year,” Raymond said. “There were a lot of guys on that team that you watched growing up and kind of idolized. You just see how big of an impact it has back home in Sweden and how many people are watching.”
Heading into the Olympic break, Raymond leads all Swedish NHL players with 60 points in the 2025-26 season.
The Red Wings forward also got a preview of what to expect in Milan last season.
Raymond was on Team Sweden’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament a year ago, but having more teams at the Winter Games will make things even more interesting.
“Everyone was excited to see best on best hockey, and what we saw in that tournament exceeded everyone’s expectations,” Raymond said.
“With the Olympics on a big stage, I think it is only going to amp up,” Raymond said.
Team Sweden begins their run in Milan-Cortina on Wednesday, Feb. 11, against Italy.
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