The contract between Lucas Raymond and the Detroit Red Wings has finally been finalized.

On Monday night, the team revealed that Raymond, considered a crucial element in their rebuilding strategy, has signed an eight-year contract worth an average of $8,075,000 each year.

At just 23 years old, Raymond finished his third NHL season with impressive stats, achieving 31 goals and 41 assists. His total of 72 points not only topped his team but also gave him a 0.88 points-per-game average, trailing only behind Dylan Larkin (1.01) and Patrick Kane (0.94). Previously, Raymond’s entry-level contract had a salary cap hit of $925,000.

Raymond quickly became an essential part of the team’s renewal right after the Red Wings selected him fourth overall in the 2020 draft.

This draft happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted the regular NHL season on March 12. Due to the uneven number of games played, the NHL conducted a draft lottery involving the seven non-playoff teams, including the Red Wings, who were the first team eliminated before the season ended, along with the eight teams that lost in the playoff qualification round. This situation allowed the New York Rangers to move from the playoff bubble to the first overall pick, while the Red Wings dropped three spots in the selection order.

General Manager Steve Yzerman expressed significant frustration after the lottery results but made the best choice by drafting Raymond. He then spent an additional year in Sweden’s top-tier league and made an immediate impact in North America, breaking into the Wings lineup in 2021 at just 19. Raymond scored 23 goals and tallied 57 points in 82 games during his rookie year, mostly playing alongside Larkin.

Although Raymond faced challenges during his sophomore season as teams adjusted to his playstyle—resulting in 17 goals and 45 points in 74 games—he committed to improving his strength over the offseason and returned to training camp in fall 2023 approximately twelve pounds heavier.

This enhanced condition became evident as he excelled in the final months of his third NHL season. During a nine-game period in March, while the team was without Larkin, Raymond shined, scoring seven goals and amassing eight points. In the crucial final week required for playoff contention, he again stepped up, netting five goals and contributing eight points across the last four games.

Earlier on Monday, Detroit also signed forward Jonatan Berggren, a restricted free agent, to a one-year deal valued at $825,000.

Meanwhile, defenseman Moritz Seider is still negotiating his contract. According to puckpedia.com, the Red Wings currently have a salary cap space of around $8.75 million.