Detroit Red Wings

Raymond’s Advisor, Family Explain Why Red Wings Rookie Is Passing On Worlds

Published

2 years ago

May 3, 2022

Bob Duff

Lucas Raymond, Detroit Red Wings, Predators

The father and the agent of Red Wings rookie forward Lucas Raymond are explaining why he's chosen to pass on playing for Sweden at the Worlds.

Both Lucas Raymond’s father and his agent are taking the time to explain the sudden change in plans by the Detroit Red Wings rookie forward.

Originally, he was all gung ho about playing for Sweden at the upcoming World Championship. Raymond has since done a 180 and declined the invitation to skate for his homeland on the world stage.

Peter Werner, Raymond’s agent, sought to rationalize the reasoning for his client’s change of heart to Swedish media site Aftonbladet.se.

Lucas Raymond's agent explains the decision not to play the WC:

"Despite the good performances, the season has taken more energy than you can imagine. My advice to Lucas was to listen to his body & mind. He needs this time during the summer to recharge the batteries."#LGRW

— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) May 2, 2022

“Lucas and I sat in the hotel and talked about the World Cup,” said Werner, who recently visited with Raymond. “Of course he was eager to play, all hockey players basically want that.

“At the same time, he has made 82 tough games in a row in the NHL against good opposition. I think that despite all the great things that Lucas has achieved during this rookie season, it has taken more energy both physically and mentally than you might have imagined.

Congrats #NJDevils forward Dawson Mercer and #LGRW forward Lucas Raymond and defenseman Moritz Seider … the only NHL rookies to play in all 82 games this season.

— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) April 29, 2022

“So my advice to Lucas was to listen to the body and the mind. For the World Cup is a pretty long story. Then it will be almost another month of hockey. He needs this time this summer to recharge his batteries.”

Red Wings Played A Role In Decision

Raymond’s father Jean was suggestsing that there was also a role in this call played by the management of the Red Wings.

“It will always be an interweaving,” Jean Raymond said of his son’s decision. “Lucas is always proud and happy to wear the national team jersey and thinks it is a great honor. But now a lot of factors came into play.

“I can say that the frequency has been very high. There is always a reconciliation about how the body feels after a long season.”

The Red Wings will still have representation on the Swedish roster. Goalie Magnus Hellberg, as well as Grand Rapids Griffins forward Jonatan Berggren and Detroit prospect Elmer Soderblom of Frolunda all are with Sweden’s team.

Former Red Wings forward Johan Garpenlov is coaching the Swedes.