Lucas Raymond keeps answering the call of his homeland, preparing for another IIHF World Championship with Sweden. This has become an annual spring tradition for the Detroit Red Wings forward, a clear signal that playoff hockey remains absent from the Motor City.
Raymond just wrapped up his fifth NHL season with the Red Wings. He is now set to participate in his fourth consecutive World Championship. The 24-year-old longs for meaningful spring games, and until Detroit delivers them, he will never turn down the chance to wear Tre Kronor’s jersey.
“Of course, that’s why you play hockey,” Raymond told Swedish website Hockey Sverige. “You want to play in these meaningful games, play in the playoffs, and play to win something. Unfortunately, I haven’t been in that position with Detroit, and that’s something you’re eager for, to play in those kinds of games.”
After a long NHL season and representing Sweden at the February Winter Olympics, no one would have criticized Raymond for skipping the Worlds. But that’s not his style.
“I think that every time you get the chance to be part of a national team and represent Sweden, it’s a huge honor,” Raymond said. “It’s nothing to take for granted. I’d rather play in the Hockey World Cup and represent Sweden in such a big tournament than sit at home and train. It’s going to be really fun, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Swedish national team coach Sam Hallam insists Raymond’s presence energizes the squad. His numbers on the world stage back that up. At the Milan-Cortina Olympics, Raymond led all Swedish scorers with nine points (1 goal, 8 assists), registering a point in all five games. His eight assists were the most by a Swedish player at the Olympics since 1960. Over the past three World Championship tournaments, he has totaled 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) in 28 games.
“He was in the mood to play right away when he came here, that’s clear,” Hallam said. “I am incredibly happy that he is willing to make this journey with us again. He’s going to be a very important player for our team, both for who he is as a person and what he does on the ice. We know what we both want very much. There is one thing, and that is to win the last match. That is what drives both him and me.”
Until that opportunity arrives for Raymond in Detroit, he will never refuse the chance to live that dream while representing his homeland.