Photo Credit: Bildbyrån/Elite Prospects
It’s never too early to start talking about the NHL Draft, and there will be many questions facing this young orange and black team come June. Some questions range from are they going to move up or back? Are the Flyers drafting for positional needs in the system, such as Right-Handed Defenseman? These are some very valid questions that people have.
In year’s past the Flyers relied heavily on Head Scout Chris Pryor, and the drafting guru in Ron Hextall for overall success during the draft. Gone are those days, as this year the Flyers new General, General Manager Chuck Fletcher will have his second draft with the orange and black. With that being said, there’s a flashy, lightning rod Winger that might catch the eye of Fletcher in the first round, and that is no other than a play making machine in Lucas Raymond. Raymond stands at 5’10” and weighs 165 pounds, and has all the skills to be a Flyer, “The Swedish league is such a tough league,” Raymond said, “You have to be able to play a two-way game defensively. You have to play well in this men’s league.”
Raymond was born on March, 28, 2002, in Goteberg, Sweden. This native of Sweden found a passion, and a love for the sport of hockey at a very young age, and as a matter of fact I’m sure he started skating when he was just 2-3 years old. His passion for the game found himself playing for the Frolunda HC J20 team for the 2019-20 season, where he torched the league (3g,11a in 9 games played), so Raymond was promoted to the Frolunda HC in the SHL . At the young age of 17 (Recently turned 18), he registered 4 goals, and 6 assists for a total of 10 points in 33 games played, yes in a men’s league. Raymond was impressive as he managed to showcase his skills in such an elite league, so just who is this young prospect? “I think the Frolunda program has helped me for sure,” Raymond said with a passionate tone, “This is a great program, it’s a such a great organization, especially with helping younger players develop, so yeah it’s helped me for sure.”
The young prospect in Raymond continued, “It’s tough, it’s a tough league. It’s a big difference from the league prior. It’s a men’s league, but it helps develop you too.”
This 17-year old, young prospect knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him. Moreover, he worked very hard in the off-season, and was able to improve his game tremendously for the 2019-20 season. Raymond is a speedster, that can forecheck with the best of them, and steal pucks. Moreover, Raymond doesn’t sit around puck watching, and has a killer wrist shot. He’s a good Penalty Killer, and has great vision of the ice, “Mostly my brother defined me,” Raymond said, “We used to play together. I’ve watched him play since I was very young. We used to play in the basement, but a lot of my skill comes from him.”
This young prospect from Sweden really opened some eyes, and showcased his skills in a men’s league for Frolunda. It shows just how good Raymond really can be. His effort, and dedication for the sport of hockey have led him to the cusp of being drafted into the NHL. Raymond really gives a lot of credit to his brother for his success, “Patrick Kane and Sidney Crosby are great players, but my brother was my favorite growing up, he was great,” Raymond said, “I’ve watched him play late at night, I think it’s a combination of stars and him that have molded me.”
The Frolunda product, Raymond just wants to show people he belongs in the NHL. If one has seen him play these past few seasons, then they would have noticed his silky hands, and blazing speed. He has a lethal wrist shot, to go with his good vision of the ice. Moreover, Raymond is out to prove that he can do this when given the chance, “If I get drafted by the Flyers it would be a huge honor,” Raymond said, “Wherever I get drafted I want to play for that team. It’s an honor to get drafted into the NHL.”
Hopefully, Raymond continues to mold himself into a fine hockey hockey player. His unselfish attitude cannot be taught, and Raymond can pay huge dividends for the Flyers in the future. Especially with his blazing speed on the Wing, as he cuts in between defenders. He is slated to get selected within the top five, however, the draft is unpredictable. With how loaded the Flyers farm system is right now, this would be the best time for the orange and black to move within the top five.
Forsberg, Lindblom, Raymond? Jamey, I’m with you and as they say, good things happen in threes. Let’s hope.
Just wanted to add this Jamey. For the Flyers to get Raymond, they would have to give up their 1st (no 25?) plus a good player, most likely a young starter who we all would hate to part with. Would be ok with losing Shayne Gostisbehere(Montreal has always wanted him), but that still would not be enough, so maybe throwing in next years 1st round pick too, would get the 8th pick. That might get Raymond. He would be worth the cost.
Giving up a top ren pick is hard to do, especially the way Montreal’s fan base loves the draft) The one thing that could make the above trade happen though, is that the kids being drafted this year, are being evaluated on how they were playing in February and that means, many late bloomers never got to maturity. The last three months of hockey each year is a time for the cream to rise to the top. This draft is a crapshoot.
Ron Hextall would have run the table in a draft like this, because Chris Pryor would have already had his homework done. I’m not so sure about Chuck Fletcher. He seems unprepared each year that he’s been a GM. Last year, he really missed the target, by blowing the first two picks and not doing that well with the rest of his choices.(I don’t see any of last year’s picks making the NHL). Fletcher is lucky that Ron Hextall left him with a boatload of great prospects. Having said all of this, I don’t see Fletcher finding any gems in this draft. He’s just not prepared and he’s not a good talent evaluator.
Gregg,
As always thanks a lot for the read. Hope you and your family are staying safe