Chicago Blackhawks: Draft Prospect – Lucas Raymond

The Chicago Blackhawks would benefit a lot if they drafted Lucas Raymond on draft day, 2020. Raymond is a talent that is hard to pass on.

Much like Alexander Holtz, Lucas Raymond is a future superstar coming out of Sweden. The Chicago Blackhawks would be getting a solid player by drafting him.

Another winger with elite offensive talents Raymond is expected to go higher than his fellow Norseman Holtz. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound winger isn’t as big as Holtz but is able to compensate his size which great hockey IQ and superb skating. Although he only has 10 points in 33 games for Frolunda, Raymond still possesses fantastic hands, shot, and all-around game.

Much like Holtz, Raymond will be a perfect fit with Jonathan Toews, Dylan Strome or Kirby Dach and could eventually take Patrick Kane’s place as the franchise right-winger.

He has the potential to be a legit threat on the top powerplay and always garnishes the attention of the other team when on the ice. Given his creativity, two-way game, and all-around skill there isn’t much if anything scouts can find wrong with Raymond’s game.

With that said, however, it is likely he goes within the top five and would take a miracle or a lottery win in order for the Blackhawks to have the fortune of drafting him.

As for his limited role in Frolunda this year, he is expected to make much more of an impact when slotting into the lineup next season.

"“For next season, we’ve made sure we have more room and he’s going to have a much bigger role on the team. I think he’s mentally and physically ready for that” – Frolunda GM Fredirik Sjostrom (the athletic)"

As far as Holtz’s opinion on his world juniors linemate, Holtz had this to say:

"“He’s not bad. He’s more like a passer and I’m more like a shooter. He can get me the puck.” – Alexander Holtz (the athletic)"

With most scouts ranking Raymond within the top five, it seems likely that is where he will end up. Raymond’s combination of IQ, speed, creativity, and two-way play is something that NHL teams can’t pass on.