Wings Wagon

Building Moritz Seider’s MVP Case Yes you read that headline right - MVP, not the Norris Trophy.

Ok I did it - Building Moritz Seider’s MVP Case

prashanthiyer.substack.com/p/building-m...

Yes it is

At 23 years old, Lucas Raymond is currently producing more expected goals above replacement/60 (xGAR/60) and scoring more than both Mitch Marner and Nikita Kucherov did at the same age.

The Red Wings have a superstar and he’s locked up on a ridiculously team-friendly deal

Game 2 Preview: Red Wings Seek To Rebound in Divisional Clash with Maple Leafs Detroit looks for a fresh start against a new-look Toronto team in an early-season divisional matchup.

Red Wings look to rebound after a tough 5-1 loss as they host the rival Maple Leafs. Toronto is coming off a 5-2 win with a new-look roster in the post-Marner era. Lineup changes & special teams will be key in this divisional matchup. #LGRW

my thoughts here:

wingswagon.substack.com/p/game-2-pre...

Detroit's Strong Start Fades Fast As They Lose 5-1 to the Canadiens The kids are alright, but the defense and goaltending have work to do.

My review of the Wings' 5-1 season-opening loss to the Canadiens

The rookies gave us something to look forward to, but major issues with the third pairing & goaltending were a huge problem

Here's my full thoughts on a frustrating night in Detroit

wingswagon.substack.com/p/detroits-s...

#LGRW

Red Wings vs. Canadiens: A Historic Opener for The Centennial Season A look at the Red Wings' historic home opener against a classic rival.

Season Opener Preview #LGRW

wingswagon.substack.com/p/red-wings-...

Detroit Red Wings 2025-26 Centennial Season Preview The "Yzerplan" is on full display as nine of the General Manager's own draft picks suit up to prove that the long, slow process of returning to contention was worth the wait.

After years of patient rebuilding, the Red Wings roster finally looks ready to compete in their 100th season. The youth has arrived & the depth has improved, but is it enough to survive the Atlantic Division? #LGRW

my thoughts as we enter into the season.

wingswagon.substack.com/p/detroit-re...

Here’s where some of the current Red Wings rank all-time in games played, goals, assists, and points in franchise history. #LGRW

The Fun Part is Now for the Detroit Red Wings The Story of a Rebuild and Why Red Wings Fans Shouldn't Skip the Best Chapters

The Fun Part is Now for the Detroit Red Wings

The Story of a Rebuild and Why Red Wings Fans Shouldn't Skip the Best Chapters

#LGRW #RedWings

wingswagon.substack.com/p/the-fun-pa...

2024-25 Player Review: Lucas Raymond Another Swedish Star Has Landed in Detroit.

Time will tell, but it's not impossible for him to make that same jump. If he does, he won't just be an All-Star; he'll be the offensive engine that finally drives the Red Wings back into Stanley Cup contention.

Full post on substack: wingswagon.substack.com/p/2024-25-pl...

Raymond's start is right up there with some legends. A look at their first 320 career games is exciting for the future:

🔹Zetterberg: 296 Points (at age 27)
🔹Kucherov: 285 Points (at age 24)
🔹Raymond: 254 Points (at age 23)

What to Expect:

Optimistic View:
He keeps growing into a 100-point superstar and a 40-goal scorer.

Realistic View: He maintains his point-per-game average and is a cornerstone of Detroit alongside Moritz Seider for years to come.

Where to Improve: Hockey is a streaky sport, but the best players are the best because of their consistency. Raymond had a couple of goalless streaks at crucial times. The next step is minimizing those lulls.

He can hit. He's not a big hitter, but he is a strong player who doesn't need a big frame to lay the body on opponents. Raymond is not afraid to stand up for himself and won't back down.

The Defensive Game: Raymond may not be a Selke winner, but he is a responsible player who can be on the ice in any situation. His first goal this season was shorthanded, the first of his career.

But to define Raymond by his power-play success would be a mistake. In fact, his responsible, all-around game is what earned him a spot in the NHL in the first place.

A prime example: his deception against Montreal. The entire world thought Raymond was shooting, but he passed the puck in tight to a down-low DeBrincat for a goal. He makes goalies commit on deceptions.

The Power Play QB: Detroit had one of the best power plays in the league, finishing 4th with a 27% conversion rate. The Red Wings have skilled players, but it ran through Lucas Raymond on the half-wall.

He has the ability to create plays and open ice all by himself. Superstars can create scoring chances from nothing, and Raymond has the skillset to do it.

He has tons of physical skill, but his hockey IQ is one of the best. His ability to read plays, know where pressure is coming from, and find open teammates makes him stand out.

While not possessing the top-end speed of some of the league's elite, Raymond is an excellent and powerful skater. His hands are top-notch; he combines his skating and hands to navigate past defenders into open ice.

The Offensive Game: Raymond is a well-rounded hockey player who possesses a ton of skill and talent. He's a double threat on offense: a great shooter and an even better playmaker.

Some milestones this season:

🔹First 50-assist season by a Red Wing since Zetterberg in 2016-17.

🔹Tied for 26th in the league for points.

🔹Most points of any player 23 and under.

🔹His 37 power-play points were tied for 3rd best in the league.

For the first time since Henrik Zetterberg in 2011, a Detroit Red Wing has scored 80 points in a season.

Lucas Raymond's 2024-25 Stats: 📊

🔹82 Games
🔹27 Goals
🔹53 Assists
🔹80 Points
🔹18:47 TOI
🔹5 game-winning goals

2024-25 Player Review: Lucas Raymond a Thread🧵

Another Swedish Star Has Landed in Detroit.

One of the criticisms of the Yzerplan has been the lack of a game-breaking star. The answer could lie in Raymond.

Full Post on The Wings Wagon Substack. #LGRW #RedWings

2024-25 Player Review: Moritz Seider The First Pick of the Yzerplan Has Laid the Foundation for the Red Wings’ New Identity

Full post on the Wings Wagon Substack. #LGRW #RedWings

wingswagon.substack.com/p/2024-25-pl...

Seider has been a special player. His game is built for playoff hockey. The way his career is trending, number 53 could one day be in the rafters at Little Caesars Arena. Watching him the past 4 years has been exciting and his future is promising

Realistic Outlook:
He maintains his offensive production, putting up 50 points while running the PP, & continuing to shut down plays, helping the PK, logging big minutes, blocking shots, and hitting everything. He is going to be Detroit’s #1 defenseman for the foreseeable future

What to expect of Seider

The Optimistic Outlook:
If his offensive game grows and he starts putting up 60-70 points while shutting down the other team's best, he could be in the Norris Trophy conversation as he becomes one of the best 200-foot defensemen in the league.

He does it all on the PK & special teams. On a 6-on-4 vs Washington, he got in front of three Ovechkin shots, blocking two and deflecting the other. Then he went into the corner and shoved Tom Wilson down. A dominant force in his own zone.