Lucas Raymond Poised for Breakout on Olympic Stage with Team Sweden
As the hockey world sets its sights on the Milano Cortina Olympics, it’s easy to circle the usual suspects-Team USA and Team Canada-as favorites for a gold medal clash. But don’t sleep on Sweden.
With a deep roster and a coach who knows how to get the most out of his stars, Tre Kronor could be gearing up for something special. And at the center of that potential run?
A 23-year-old winger from the Detroit Red Wings who’s been quietly building toward a breakout moment: Lucas Raymond.
A Rising Star Ready for the Global Spotlight
Raymond is set to make his Olympic debut for Team Sweden, and the timing couldn’t be better. He’s coming off a strong NHL campaign where he’s already tallied 18 goals and 40 assists through 53 games. That’s not just solid production-it’s the kind of stat line that signals a player who’s starting to figure out how to impose his will on a game.
He’s also no stranger to international play. At the NHL Four Nations Face-Off, Raymond held his own against some of the best in the world, notching three assists in three games. That tournament gave him a chance to build chemistry with Sweden’s Olympic coaching staff, including head coach Sam Sallam, who’s been vocal about his belief in Raymond’s ability to rise to the occasion in Milan.
“He’s very, very competitive,” Sallam said. “Now, if you get to the NHL level, you are competitive.
But he’s that last percentage, ultra-competitive. So, I know losing games bothers him, and that the team has been playing for a playoff spot, it just pushes him to be even better, because he hates losing.”
That mindset-paired with Raymond’s maturity and team-first approach-has made a strong impression on Sallam. “He’s not out on the ice for himself. He plays the game to win as a team.”
Mature Beyond His Years
Raymond’s game goes beyond the box score. He’s the kind of player who makes the right reads, plays within the system, and holds himself accountable on both ends of the ice. That’s rare for a 23-year-old, especially one still climbing the ranks of NHL stardom.
“He follows the playbook. He does the right things.
He plays like an older, mature player than he actually is,” Sallam said. “You forget at times that he’s just a 23-year-old.
He plays with so much ownership and responsibility.”
That blend of discipline and high-end skill is exactly what Sweden will need in Milan. With veteran stars like Victor Hedman and Gabriel Landeskog dealing with injury concerns, the door is wide open for Raymond to take on a bigger role-not just as a contributor, but as a difference-maker.
“He came out on that stage against the best players in the world, and he was legit,” Sallam added. “You’re confident when you have ‘Ray’ on the ice, because he backchecks, he forechecks in the system, and then he has the skill to do his offensive things.”
Olympic Opportunity, But Business First
Before Raymond shifts into Olympic mode, there’s still work to be done in Detroit. The Red Wings are in the thick of a playoff push, with key matchups against the Colorado Avalanche and Utah Mammoth on the horizon. For a player as competitive as Raymond, those games matter just as much as what’s waiting in Milan.
But once the Olympic break hits, all eyes will be on Team Sweden-and on Raymond. With his blend of skill, maturity, and hunger to win, he’s not just going to Milan to fill a roster spot. He’s going there to make an impact.
And if his recent play is any indication, Sweden might just have a secret weapon in their gold medal quest.