Injury to Red Wings Raymond Not Believed to be Serious

The Detroit Red Wings are optimistic that forward Lucas Raymond will only be out of action for a short period of time.

The team is listing Raymond as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He’ll definitely be missing tonight’s game against the Florida Panthers at Little Caesars Arena. Beyond that, there’s no certainty as to when he might be back in action, other than the expectation that it will be sooner rather than later.

“Not going to play tonight,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said. “Day to day upper body.”

Raymond left Monday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period. He was crunched into the boards by Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev, and it appeared that his right shoulder hit hard into the glass.

The 23-year-old winger has led the club in points each of the past two seasons. Raymond collected a career-high 80 points last season. He was good for 72 points in the 2023-24 season.

Through three games this season, Raymond has two goals and an assist.

Red Wings Sticking With Appleton On Top Line

Mason Appleton slid into Raymond’s role on the top line alongside captain Dylan Larkin and rookie Emmitt Finnie. He took that responsibility literally, slotting home the winning goal in Detroit’s 3-2 victory.

“I thought he did a good job,” McLellan said. “He’s got some experience. He can play both ends of the rink, which is important.

“That line takes on not only offensive responsibilities but some defensive ones against the other team’s top players. So we think he can give us something on both sides of the puck.”

Known as a checker during his NHL career, Appleton won’t be looking to change his spots while playing on a scoring line.

“I think it’s kind of tough to try to change your game too much,” Appleton said. “I mean, maybe just like a little tweak here and there, but I am who I am as a player.

“I’m just going to try to provide that and complement those guys with my game.”